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Review
. 2024 Aug 15;25(16):8899.
doi: 10.3390/ijms25168899.

Cracking the Codes behind Cancer Cells' Immune Evasion

Affiliations
Review

Cracking the Codes behind Cancer Cells' Immune Evasion

Nikita Mundhara et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Immune evasion is a key phenomenon in understanding tumor recurrence, metastasis, and other critical steps in tumor progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is in constant flux due to the tumor's ability to release signals that affect it, while immune cells within it can impact cancer cell behavior. Cancer cells undergo several changes, which can change the enrichment of different immune cells and modulate the activity of existing immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer cells can evade immune surveillance by downregulating antigen presentation or expressing immune checkpoint molecules. High levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) correlate with better outcomes, and robust immune responses can control tumor growth. On the contrary, increased enrichment of Tregs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and M2-like anti-inflammatory macrophages can hinder effective immune surveillance and predict poor prognosis. Overall, understanding these immune evasion mechanisms guides therapeutic strategies. Researchers aim to modulate the TME to enhance immune surveillance and improve patient outcomes. In this review article, we strive to summarize the composition of the tumor immune microenvironment, factors affecting the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), and different therapeutic modalities targeting the immune cells. This review is a first-hand reference to understand the basics of immune surveillance and immune evasion.

Keywords: cancer biology; cancer immunology; immune evasion; immunotherapy; targeted therapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsements by the US Government.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Spatial Distribution and Composition of Immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Tumor-associated M1 macrophage, NK cells, Dendritic cells, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes have antitumor activity (Green box). Tumor-associated M2 macrophage and myeloid-derived suppressor cells have pro-tumor activity (Red box). Neutrophils have both pro and antitumor activity.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Different intrinsic factors affecting the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Schematic representation of intrinsic factors (primary and exclusive) that affect the immune cell recruitment, differentiation, and function in the TIME. These intrinsic factors often overlap, and overall, the immune microenvironment is regulated in a certain direction towards tumor elimination or promotion.

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