Innate lymphoid cells as regulators of the tumor microenvironment

Sonia Tugues; Laura Ducimetiere; Ekaterina Friebel; Burkhard Becher

doi:10.1016/j.smim.2019.03.002

Innate lymphoid cells as regulators of the tumor microenvironment

Semin Immunol. 2019 Feb:41:101270. doi: 10.1016/j.smim.2019.03.002. Epub 2019 Mar 11.

Authors

Sonia Tugues¹, Laura Ducimetiere², Ekaterina Friebel², Burkhard Becher²

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.

PMID: 30871769
DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2019.03.002

Abstract

As crucial players in innate immunity, Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs) have been distinctly associated with either tumor-promoting or tumor-inhibiting activities. This dichotomy arises from the high degree of heterogeneity and plasticity between the ILC family subsets. Also, the tissue microenvironment is crucial for the function of ILCs. Especially within the tumor niche, each of the ILC subsets participates in a complex network of interactions with other cells and molecules. Although extensive research has unraveled several aspects of the crosstalk ILCs establish with the tumor microenvironment (TME), numerous questions remain to be answered. Here, we will discuss a role for the different ILC subsets that goes beyond their direct effects on the tumor cells. Instead, we will highlight the ability of ILCs to communicate with the surrounding milieu and the impact this has on tumor progression.

Keywords: Crosstalk; Innate lymphoid cells; Tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
Humans
Immunity, Innate*
Lymphocytes / immunology*
Lymphocytes / metabolism*
Neoplasms / immunology*
Neoplasms / metabolism*
Neoplasms / pathology
Tumor Microenvironment / immunology*