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Cancer's hidden ally: How do tumor-associated stromal cells promote tumor growth?
In modern medical research, the mechanism of tumor growth has received increasing attention. However, many people have overlooked some cells that play an important role in the tumor environment: tumor-associated stromal cells (TASCs). These cells are not just the background of the tumor, but play a key role in promoting the growth and spread of the tumor.
Stromal cells, or interstitial stromal cells, are primarily found in the bone marrow but can actually be found in various organs throughout the body.
Based on research, the role of stromal cells is gradually being understood. These cells not only support parenchymal cell function in the same tissue, but also participate in regulating immune responses and modulating inflammatory processes. In addition to producing blood elements in the bone marrow, the multifunctionality of stromal cells makes their role in the tumor microenvironment increasingly evident.
Definition and function of stromal cells
Matrix cells are remarkable for their multipotency and self-replication. These cells are defined as non-hematopoietic and are able to transform into other cell types, such as connective tissue, vascular, and lymphoid tissue. Specifically, these stromal cells can differentiate into osteoblasts, chondroblasts, and adipocytes, and exhibit anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory capabilities.
These cells have the potential to be used in various cell therapies and tissue repair in the future.
Interactions between tumor and stromal cells
During normal wound healing, local stromal cells express reactive matrix. In the tumor environment, these reactive stromal cells may be further transformed by tumor cells into tumor-associated stromal cells (TASCs). Compared with non-reactive stromal cells, TASCs secrete more proteins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which in turn stimulate the recruitment of more tumor and tumor-promoting cells.
Tumor-promoting factors and potential research directions
TASCs secrete tumor-promoting factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IL-6 and IL-8, which can directly affect tumor growth and metastasis.
The development of tumors requires the support of a cellular environment. The recruitment of TASCs originates from a variety of cells in the host matrix, such as bone marrow stromal cells, endothelial cells and adipocytes. This makes the composition of the tumor microenvironment extremely heterogeneous. While some of these host stromal cells have tumor suppressive capabilities, in the context of malignancy these cells can switch to a tumor-promoting state.
Immunomodulatory effect
Stromal cells also display a high degree of regulatory capacity in immune responses. These cells can suppress excessive immune responses, thereby preventing the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. When T cells are overactivated, the functions of natural killer cells and dendritic cells may also be impaired, while stromal cells use various secreted mediators to regulate the activities of the immune system.
Matrix cells can achieve regulatory immune responses by secreting a series of regulatory molecules.
Future therapeutic potential
Stromal cells have shown potential applications in the treatment of a variety of diseases, ranging from autoimmune diseases to wound healing and even acute respiratory distress syndrome. In future cell therapies, stromal cells may become new weapons due to their ability to hide from the immune system, opening up new avenues for tumor treatment.
However, research on stromal cells is still ongoing, especially how they play their role under actual physiological conditions remains an unsolved mystery. Does this mean that our understanding of cancer is still just the tip of the iceberg?
