癌相关成纤维细胞
肿瘤微环境
结直肠癌
癌症研究
癌症
肿瘤进展
医学
恶性肿瘤
细胞外基质
血管生成
免疫系统
生物
免疫学
病理
内科学
细胞生物学
作者
Yuting Chen,Zhiyong Liang,Maode Lai
标识
DOI:10.1016/j.trsl.2024.04.003
摘要
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as significant constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME), play a pivotal role in the progression of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In this comprehensive review, we presented the origin and activation mechanisms of CAFs in CRC, elaborating on how CAFs drive tumor advancement through their interactions with CRC cells, immune cells, vascular endothelial cells, and the extracellular matrix within the tumor microenvironment. We systematically outline the intricate web of interactions among CAFs, tumor cells, and other TME components, and based on this complex interplay, we summarize various therapeutic strategies designed to target CAFs in CRC. It is also essential to recognize that CAFs represent a highly heterogeneous group, encompassing various subtypes such as myofibroblastic CAF (myCAF), inflammatory CAF (iCAF), antigen-presenting CAF (apCAF), vessel-associated CAF (vCAF). Herein, we provide a summary of studies investigating the heterogeneity of CAFs in CRC and the characteristic expression patterns of each subtype. While the majority of CAFs contribute to the exacerbation of CRC malignancy, recent findings have revealed specific subtypes that exert inhibitory effects on CRC progression. Nevertheless, the comprehensive landscape of CAF heterogeneity still awaits exploration. We also highlight pivotal unanswered questions that need to be addressed before CAFs can be recognized as feasible targets for cancer treatment. In conclusion, the aim of our review is to elucidate the significance and challenges of advancing in-depth research on CAFs, while outlining the pathway to uncover the complex roles of CAFs in CRC and underscore their significant potential as therapeutic targets.
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