Cancer stem cell-immune cell crosstalk in tumour progression

Cellular heterogeneity and an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment are independent yet synergistic drivers of tumour progression and underlie therapeutic resistance. Recent studies have highlighted the complex interaction between these cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic mechanisms. The reciprocal communication between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and infiltrating immune cell populations in the tumour microenvironment is a paradigm for these interactions. In this Perspective, we discuss the signalling programmes that simultaneously induce CSCs and reprogramme the immune response to facilitate tumour immune evasion, metastasis and recurrence. We further highlight biological factors that can impact the nature of CSC-immune cell communication. Finally, we discuss targeting opportunities for simultaneous regulation of the CSC niche and immunosurveillance. This Perspective discusses the signalling programmes and biological factors that simultaneously induce cancer stem cells and reprogramme the immune response to facilitate tumour immune evasion. It also highlights therapeutic opportunities for simultaneous targeting of the cancer stem cell niche and immunosurveillance.

Automated summary

The development of tumors is affected by cellular heterogeneity and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which interact with each other and lead to therapeutic resistance. The interaction between cancer stem cells and infiltrating immune cell populations in the tumor microenvironment promotes tumor development and immune evasion.