The Immunosuppressive Effect of TNFR2 Expression in the Colorectal Cancer Microenvironment

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents one of the most common causes of death among cancers worldwide. Its incidence has been increasing among the young population. Many risk factors contribute to the development and progression of CRC and about 70% of them are sporadic. The CRC microenvironment is highly heterogeneous and represents a very complex immunosuppressive platform. Many cytokines and their receptors are vital participants in this immunosuppressive microenvironment. Tumor necrosis factors (TNFs) and TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) are critical players in the development of CRC. TNFR2 was observed to have increased the immunosuppressive activity of CRC cells via regulatory T cells (T regs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in the CRC microenvironment. However, the exact mechanism of TNFR2 in regulating the CRC prognosis remains elusive. Here, we discuss the role of TNFR2 in immune escape mechanism of CRC in the immunosuppressive cells, including Tregs and MDSCs, and the complex signaling pathways that facilitate the development of CRC. It is suggested that extensive studies on TNFR2 downstream signaling must be done, since TNFR2 has a high potential to be developed into a therapeutic agent and cancer biomarker in the future.

Automated summary

Colorectal cancer is a common cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with increasing incidence among young individuals. The tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer is highly heterogeneous and immunosuppressive. Tumor necrosis factors (TNFs) and TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) play critical roles in the development of colorectal cancer by enhancing the immunosuppressive activity of cancer cells. However, the exact mechanism of TNFR2 in regulating colorectal cancer prognosis is still unclear. Further studies on TNFR2 downstream signaling are needed to unlock its potential as a therapeutic agent and cancer biomarker.