Cancer stem cell plasticity: mechanisms, immune microenvironment crosstalk, and therapeutic implications

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are plastic tumor cell populations driving therapeutic resistance, relapse, and metastasis.
• CSC plasticity is governed by stemness signaling pathways (Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog) and epigenetic mechanisms.
• These pathways interact with metabolic reprogramming, supporting CSC survival under stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding CSC plasticity.
• To focus on the interplay between CSCs and the tumor immune microenvironment.
• To summarize strategies for targeting CSC plasticity in combination with immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent advances in CSC research.
• Analysis of regulatory networks involving stemness signaling, epigenetics, and metabolism.
• Evaluation of translational strategies and combination therapies.

Main Results:

• CSC plasticity is regulated by stemness pathways and epigenetic programs, enabling adaptation to stress.
• Interplay between CSCs and the tumor immune microenvironment influences therapeutic outcomes.
• Emerging strategies combine targeting CSC plasticity with immunotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Understanding CSC plasticity and its interaction with the immune microenvironment is crucial.
• Combination strategies targeting CSC plasticity and immunotherapy offer potential therapeutic benefits.
• Clinical validation of these combination strategies is necessary to confirm their benefit.