More than structural cells, fibroblasts create and orchestrate the tumor microenvironment.
The tumor microenvironment comprises many cell types including infiltrating immune cells such as lymphocytes, endothelial cells and a complex stroma consisting mainly of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are heterogeneous and consist of Thy-1+ and Thy-1- subsets that define different biosynthetic and differentiation potential. They produce mediators linked to carcinogenesis and metastasis, including Cox-2 and PGE2, both of which are also increased in most cancers. This review will highlight the emerging role of the complex fibroblastic stroma in establishing a microenvironment supporting malignant transformation, tumor growth and attenuation of host anti-tumor immune responses.
Baglole
Carolyn J
CJ
Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, and Lymphoma Biology Program, James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA.
Ray
Denise M
DM
Bernstein
Steven H
SH
Feldon
Steven E
SE
Smith
Terry J
TJ
Sime
Patricia J
PJ
Phipps
Richard P
RP
D000818:Animals; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D018448:Models, Immunological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D018800:Thy-1 Antigens / Q000378:metabolism
D018800:Thy-1 Antigens