Senescence and tumor immunology: A multifaceted interplay of influence
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 26, 2026

Analysis of Human T Cell Activity in an Allogeneic Co-Culture Setting of Pre-Treated Tumor Cells
Published on: March 7, 2025
Yuyan Xie1,2, Jie Zhang1,3,2, Shixiao Wang1,2
1Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Human Disease Prevention, Carson International Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
Abstract:
Medical advances and global population aging have propelled aging and cancer research into a new period of discovery. Senescent cells, which exert context-dependent tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting effects, are central to this progress and engage in complex crosstalk with tumor proliferation. This review critically examines the multidimensional interplay between aging and cancer by synthesizing genetic, cytokine signaling, and tissue microenvironment evidence. We discuss how senescent cells influence immune surveillance, therapy response, tumor progression, metastasis, and age-related cancer risk, while cellular diversity, molecular complexity, immune balance, tumor heterogeneity, treatment resistance, and individual aging variability further complicate this relationship. We conclude that aging and cancer are intertwined through dynamic, context-specific mechanisms. By integrating these insights, this review aims to inspire novel research directions and transformative advances in cancer therapy and healthy longevity.
Related Concept Videos
Tumor Immunotherapy
The Tumor Microenvironment
The Tumor Microenvironment
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
