Heterogeneous neutrophils: Key players in regulating tumor immunity

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Neutrophils were traditionally viewed as functionally homogeneous innate immune cells.
• Emerging evidence highlights neutrophil plasticity and heterogeneity, particularly within the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs).
• To classify TAN subsets and their impact on tumor progression and immune interactions.
• To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting TANs.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature.
• Emphasis on single-cell technologies for characterizing TAN heterogeneity.
• Analysis of molecular signatures and functional states of TANs.

Main Results:

• TANs represent a continuum of distinct functional states originating from heterogeneous developmental pathways.
• TAN subsets (pro-tumor, inflammatory, ISG-high, antigen-presenting) impact tumor progression via unique mechanisms.
• TANs play a pivotal role in modulating immune responses through interactions with other immune cells.

Conclusions:

• TANs are crucial regulators of tumor progression and immune networks.
• Targeting TAN recruitment, reprogramming, or specific subsets offers potential therapeutic strategies.
• Further research into neutrophil biology and targeted therapies is warranted.