Characteristics of tertiary lymphoid structures in primary cancers.
Tumors are sustained by complex networks of interactions between malignant cells, stromal cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. These networks differ from patient to patient in terms of nature, composition and organization as well as with regard to the precise localization of tumor-infiltrating cells. Of note, the heterogeneity of the immunological component of the tumor microenvironment, as opposed to its mere abundance, has been shown to influence disease outcome. However, a key question remains: where does the activation of tumor-specific T cells take place? The recently described, tumor-associated lymph node-like entities termed "tertiary lymphoid structures" exhibit a structural organization that is reminiscent of secondary lymphoid organs, and thus may imprint the local immune contexture. Here, we discuss how cancer-associated tertiary lymphoid structures impact on the tumor micro-architecture, immune microenvironment, and ultimately, patient survival.
The Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Tumors; INSERM U872; Cordeliers Research Center; Paris, France ; University Pierre and Marie Curie; UMRS872; Paris, France ; University Paris Descartes; UMRS872; Paris, France.
Jérémy
J
Goc
The Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Tumors; INSERM U872; Cordeliers Research Center; Paris, France ; University Pierre and Marie Curie; UMRS872; Paris, France ; University Paris Descartes; UMRS872; Paris, France.
Wolf-Herman
WH
Fridman
The Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Tumors; INSERM U872; Cordeliers Research Center; Paris, France ; University Pierre and Marie Curie; UMRS872; Paris, France ; University Paris Descartes; UMRS872; Paris, France.
Catherine
C
Sautès-Fridman
The Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Tumors; INSERM U872; Cordeliers Research Center; Paris, France ; University Pierre and Marie Curie; UMRS872; Paris, France ; University Paris Descartes; UMRS872; Paris, France.
Marie-Caroline
MC
Dieu-Nosjean
adaptive immune response; migration; tertiary lymphoid structure; tumor immunology; vasculature