Affiliation:
1. Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian St, Changzhou, 213003,
China
Abstract
Abstract:
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an epithelial cancer distinguished by bile duct cell differentiation
and is also a fibroproliferative tumor. It is characterized by a dense mesenchyme and a
complex tumor immune microenvironment (TME). The TME comprises both cellular and non-cellular
components. The celluar component includes CCA cells, immune cells and mesenchymal
cells represented by the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), while the non-cellular component is
represented by mesenchymal elements such as the extracellular matrix (ECM). Recent studies
have demonstrated the important role of the TME in the development, progression, and treatment
resistance of CCA. These cell-associated prognostic markers as well as intercellular connections,
may serve as potential therapeutic targets and could inspire new treatment approaches for CCA in
the future. This paper aims to summarize the current understanding of CCA's immune microenvironment,
focusing on immune cells, mesenchymal cells, ECM, intercellular interactions, and
metabolism within the microenvironment.
Funder
Key Program of the Changzhou Commission of Health
Major science and technology project of Changzhou Municipal Health Commission
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.