Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Draining Lymph Node Metastasis Model for Assessing the Dynamics of Antigen-Specific CD8+ T Cells During Tumorigenesis
Published on: January 26, 2024
Tertiary lymphoid structures as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in neoadjuvant cancer immunotherapy
Tong Wang1, Wenlong Xu1, Xiaofeng Wu1
1Department of Reproduction, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, Shandong, China.
Abstract:
Neoadjuvant immunotherapy is reshaping the treatment of resectable solid tumors, but biomarkers that reflect spatially organized antitumor immunity remain limited. Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are ectopic lymphoid aggregates that support local antigen presentation, lymphocyte recruitment, T-B cell interaction, germinal center reactions and humoral immunity. Increasing evidence suggests that TLS density, maturation, localization and cellular composition are associated with immune checkpoint blockade response, pathological regression and prognosis. Beyond their biomarker value, TLS may represent modifiable immune niches that can be induced or remodeled by checkpoint blockade, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, vaccines and stromal-vascular strategies. This mini-review discusses the biological basis, biomarker potential, therapeutic targeting and clinical translation of TLS in neoadjuvant cancer immunotherapy, highlighting key challenges and future TLS-guided trial designs.
Related Concept Videos
Tumor Immunotherapy
Lymphoid Cells and Tissues
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
The Tumor Microenvironment

