Regulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts for enhanced cancer immunotherapy using advanced functional nanomedicines: an updated review

The dynamic interplay between melanoma cells and CAFs: Implications drug resistance and immune evasion and possible therapeutics

Melanoma, a malignancy of varying prognoses across primary sites (cutaneous, ocular, and mucosal), typically displays peculiar treatment challenges in metastatic and refractory settings. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have long been recognized as pivotal components within melanoma's tumor microenvironment (TME), originating from various sources and manifesting considerable heterogeneity. These cells actively produce extracellular matrix (ECM), induce angiogenesis, provide metabolic support, contribute to drug resistance, and feed tumor progression and metastasis. Among the many growth factors and cytokines they secrete, including TGF-β and IL-6, they aid in anti-tumor immunity by recruiting immunosuppressive cells and inhibiting cytotoxic T-cell activity, contributing to immune evasion. These dynamic cells sculpt the tumor's niche, allowing cancer cells to survive and proliferate, and their existence is widely correlated with poor prognosis. Taking a cue from the previously established groundwork of how the surroundings heavily influence tumor development, this review attempts to profile the intricate interaction of melanoma cells with the CAFs, the ECM, and signaling molecules. We explore different subtypes of CAFs, their origins, and how they have evolved in their pro-tumorigenic roles in melanoma. Additionally, we review recent advancements in the therapeutic arsenal targeting CAFs to achieve a more effective treatment response. By detailing the specific roles played by different CAFs subtypes in the modulation of immuno-responses and treatment outcomes, this review will further provide insights into the targeted therapy to disrupt CAFs-mediated tumor support in melanoma.

Unraveling the immune evasion mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy characterized by a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) that plays a pivotal role in tumor initiation, progression, and immune evasion. Recent advancements have highlighted the intricate interplay between immune cell infiltration patterns, immune checkpoint dysregulation, and metabolic reprogramming in driving HNSCC immune escape. Despite these insights, significant challenges remain, including the incomplete understanding of specific immune evasion pathways and the lack of personalized therapeutic strategies. To address these gaps, this review introduces a novel "Trinity" regulatory network of immune evasion in HNSCC, encompassing: (1) metabolic reprogramming-mediated immune checkpoint modulation, (2) stromal cell-driven immune dysfunction, and (3) epigenetic remodeling fostering immune tolerance. This framework provides a theoretical foundation for the development of multi-targeted combination therapies and offers innovative strategies to overcome immune evasion. Additionally, this review systematically synthesizes the current understanding of the relationship between the HNSCC microenvironment and immune escape, with a focus on emerging immunotherapeutic approaches such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy. Leveraging cutting-edge single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, we elucidate the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of the HNSCC immune landscape and propose a new paradigm of "lineage plasticity-driven immune adaptation." These insights not only advance our understanding of HNSCC biology but also pave the way for the development of precision immunotherapies aimed at improving patient survival and quality of life. By integrating multidisciplinary perspectives, this work underscores the importance of targeting the TME to achieve durable clinical responses and overcome immunotherapy resistance in HNSCC.

Targeting CAFs and extracellular matrix (ECM) in lung cancer: Potential of adjuvants and nanoparticles

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are prominent components of the lung tumor stroma and are known to foster tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis through extracellular matrix (ECM) and tumor stroma remodeling. The interactions of CAFs with cancer cells and other stromal components contribute significantly to the aggressive nature of lung cancer and pose challenges to conventional treatment approaches. Simultaneously, the ECM, which contains numerous proteins and other molecules surrounding cancer cells, serves as more than just a structural scaffold. In lung cancer, alterations in ECM composition and organization not only promote tumor cell proliferation and survival but also impact drug penetration, immune cell infiltration, and therapeutic resistance. Targeting the intricate interplay between CAFs and the dynamic ECM in lung cancer represents a crucial frontier in oncology research. This review aims to delve deeply into the pivotal roles of CAFs and the ECM in the tumorigenesis and progression of lung cancer. Then, the potential of utilizing adjuvants, phytochemicals, and nanoparticles to modulate the functions of CAFs and remodel the ECM in the lung tumor will be reviewed.