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Tumor Microenvironment: A Niche for Cancer Stem Cell Immunotherapy

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Abstract

Tumorigenic Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs), often called tumor-initiating cells (TICs), represent a unique subset of cells within the tumor milieu. They stand apart from the bulk of tumor cells due to their exceptional self-renewal, metastatic, and differentiation capabilities. Despite significant progress in classifying CSCs, these cells remain notably resilient to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, contributing to cancer recurrence. In this review, our objective is to explore novel avenues of research that delve into the distinctive characteristics of CSCs within their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). We will start with an overview of the defining features of CSCs and then delve into their intricate interactions with cells from the lymphoid lineage, namely T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Furthermore, we will discuss their dynamic interplay with myeloid lineage cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Moreover, we will illuminate the crosstalk between CSCs and cells of mesenchymal origin, specifically fibroblasts, adipocytes, and endothelial cells. Subsequently, we will underscore the pivotal role of CSCs within the context of the tumor-associated extracellular matrix (ECM). Finally, we will highlight pre-clinical and clinical studies that target CSCs within the intricate landscape of the TME, including CAR-T therapy, oncolytic viruses, and CSC-vaccines, with the ultimate goal of uncovering novel avenues for CSC-based cancer immunotherapy.

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Funding

D.S. was supported in part by a fund from the DOD (W81XWH-20–1-0702).

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  1. College of Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA

    Mia C. Borlongan & Hongbin Wang

  2. Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA

    Dipongkor Saha & Hongbin Wang

  3. Master Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences College of Graduate Studies, Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Department of Basic Science College of Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA

    Hongbin Wang

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  2. Dipongkor Saha
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M.B. and H.W. contributed to the study of conception and design. M.B., D.S. and H.W. contributed literature search, data analysis, writing, and editing.

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Correspondence to Dipongkor Saha or Hongbin Wang.

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Borlongan, M.C., Saha, D. & Wang, H. Tumor Microenvironment: A Niche for Cancer Stem Cell Immunotherapy. Stem Cell Rev and Rep 20, 3–24 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12015-023-10639-6

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