The Bidirectional Interplay between T Cell-Based Immunotherapies and the Tumor Microenvironment

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• T cell-based therapies, such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy, T-cell receptor-engineered T cells, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells, are advanced cancer treatments.
• These therapies exert direct cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.
• Emerging evidence highlights their significant influence on the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the bidirectional interactions between T cell-based therapies and the TME.
• To elucidate how these therapies modulate the TME and how the TME influences therapy activity.
• To provide insights for optimizing the efficacy and safety of T cell-based cancer treatments.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical and preclinical data.
• Analysis of the interplay between T cell therapies and the tumor microenvironment.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on mechanisms of action, resistance, and toxicity.

Main Results:

• T cell therapies actively shape the TME by altering cytokine profiles and recruiting immune cells.
• The TME dynamically modulates the function of T cell therapies, either promoting or hindering their antitumor activity.
• Bidirectional communication exists between T cell therapies and the TME.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the complex interactions between T cell therapies and the TME is crucial.
• This knowledge is essential for deciphering mechanisms of therapy action, resistance, and toxicity.
• Optimizing T cell therapy efficacy and safety relies on a thorough grasp of the TME interplay.