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Updated: Feb 1, 2026
08:32
Enrichment and Characterization of the Tumor Immune and Non-immune Microenvironments in Established Subcutaneous Murine Tumors
Published on: June 7, 2018
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Neurotransmitters: Key regulators of the tumor immune microenvironment
Liubo Zhang1, Wei Jing1, Yunbo Li2
1Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.
Seminars in Immunology
|January 30, 2026
Summary
Neurotransmitters regulate the tumor immune microenvironment, influencing cancer progression. Targeting neurotransmitter-receptor pathways shows promise for novel antitumor therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Neurotransmitters are key signaling molecules with roles beyond the nervous system.
- They critically regulate the tumor immune microenvironment.
- Neurotransmitter receptors are expressed in tumor tissues, influencing tumor progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize neurotransmitter regulatory mechanisms in tumor immunity.
- To discuss advances in neurotransmitter-targeted therapies.
- To explore neuro-immune-tumor crosstalk.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature.
- Analysis of neurotransmitter-receptor signaling networks.
- Evaluation of preclinical and clinical data on targeted agents.
Main Results:
- Neurotransmitters dynamically regulate tumor and immune cells.
- Targeted agents like NMDAR, GABA-A agonists, and dopamine antagonists show antitumor effects.
- Complex signaling networks mediate these effects.
Conclusions:
- Neurotransmitter modulation offers a basis for novel immunotherapeutic strategies.
- Understanding neuro-immune-tumor crosstalk opens new research avenues.
- Targeting neurotransmitter-receptor axes is a promising therapeutic approach.
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