Modulating extracellular matrix stiffness: a strategic approach to boost cancer immunotherapy

Bibliographic Details
Title: Modulating extracellular matrix stiffness: a strategic approach to boost cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zizhao Mai, Yunfan Lin, Pei Lin, Xinyuan Zhao, Li Cui
Source: Cell Death and Disease, Vol 15, Iss 5, Pp 1-16 (2024)
Publisher Information: Nature Publishing Group, 2024.
Publication Year: 2024
Collection: LCC:Cytology
Subject Terms: Cytology, QH573-671
More Details: Abstract The interplay between extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and the tumor microenvironment is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in cancer progression and the efficacy of immunotherapy. This review comprehensively discusses the key factors regulating ECM remodeling, including the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the accumulation and crosslinking of ECM proteins. Furthermore, it provides a detailed exploration of how ECM stiffness influences the behaviors of both tumor and immune cells. Significantly, the impact of ECM stiffness on the response to various immunotherapy strategies, such as immune checkpoint blockade, adoptive cell therapy, oncolytic virus therapy, and therapeutic cancer vaccines, is thoroughly examined. The review also addresses the challenges in translating research findings into clinical practice, highlighting the need for more precise biomaterials that accurately mimic the ECM and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The insights offered aim to guide future research, with the potential to enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy modalities.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2041-4889
Relation: https://doaj.org/toc/2041-4889
DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06697-4
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/0d04a7fcae3649499e1b023e1e4e7f15
Accession Number: edsdoj.0d04a7fcae3649499e1b023e1e4e7f15
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:20414889
DOI:10.1038/s41419-024-06697-4
Published in:Cell Death and Disease
Language:English