Mesothelial and immune cells interplay in the tumor microenvironment

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Mesothelial cells (MCs) are vital for maintaining serosal integrity and homeostasis through cellular interactions.
• Interactions between MCs and tumor cells are recognized in tumorigenesis and progression within the tumor microenvironment (TME).
• Emerging evidence indicates MCs can promote tumor progression by inducing an immunosuppressive TME.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the immunoregulatory functions of MCs within the TME of mesothelioma and metastatic carcinomas.
• To explore mechanisms by which MCs induce immunosuppression in cancer.
• To assess the impact of MC-mediated immunosuppression on tumor growth and therapeutic responses.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating mesothelial cells in cancer immunology.
• Analysis of research on cytokine, chemokine, and exosome secretion by MCs.
• Examination of MC interactions with immune cells and tumor cells in the TME.

Main Results:

• MCs secrete factors that recruit and modulate immunosuppressive cells, contributing to an immunosuppressive TME.
• These secreted factors can directly interact with immune cells, suppressing anti-tumor immune responses.
• The immunosuppressive actions of MCs are implicated in the progression of mesothelioma and metastatic pleural/peritoneal carcinomas.

Conclusions:

• Mesothelial cells play a significant immunoregulatory role in the TME, often promoting immunosuppression.
• Understanding MC-driven immunosuppression is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies for mesothelioma and related carcinomas.
• Targeting MC-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms may offer novel therapeutic strategies.