Deciphering the Complex Interplay of Cancer Stem Cells and Immune Dynamics in the Tumor Microenvironment and Metastatic Niches

The field of cancer research has increasingly focused on the role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and their interactions with the immune system. CSCs are pivotal in tumor initiation, progression, recurrence, and resistance to therapies, often residing in specialized niches that protect them from conventional treatments. These cells engage in complex interactions with immune cells, utilizing immune checkpoints to evade detection and clearance. Recent studies have highlighted how CSCs secrete extracellular vesicles and cytokines to manipulate the TME, fostering an immunosuppressive environment that supports tumor growth and resistance to therapy. Despite these insights, there remains a significant gap in understanding the full extent of CSC-immune interactions and their implications for cancer treatment. Addressing these gaps is crucial for developing therapies that target both the CSC niche and enhance immune system efficacy, which could revolutionize cancer treatment strategies.This Research Topic aims to elucidate the complex interactions between CSCs and the immune system within the TME. Specifically, it seeks to understand how CSCs evade immune surveillance and contribute to tumor progression and resistance to current therapies. By investigating the mechanisms through which CSCs manipulate immune checkpoints and alter the TME, the research intends to uncover novel therapeutic targets. The ultimate objective is to develop strategies that disrupt CSC-driven immunosuppressive pathways and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy, bridging a critical gap in oncology and potentially leading to more effective and durable cancer treatments.To gather further insights into the intricate interactions between CSCs and the immune system within the TME, pre-metastatic niches, and distant metastatic sites, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Mechanisms of CSC-mediated immune evasion and immunosuppression within the TME, pre-metastatic niches, and distant metastatic sites.- The role of immune checkpoints in CSC survival and tumor progression.- Impact of CSC heterogeneity on immune response modulation.- Crosstalk between CSCs and immune cells influencing tumor metastasis and recurrence.- Novel therapeutic strategies targeting the CSC-immune interaction.We are interested in a range of manuscript types, including original research, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspective pieces. Submissions should offer novel insights or comprehensive analyses of existing data, contributing significantly to our understanding of CSC-immune dynamics in cancer. Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases, which are not accompanied by robust and relevant validation, are out of scope for this topic. Topic editors: Chuanwen Fan, Yang Xuan Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/62124/deciphering-the-complex-interplay-of-cancer-stem-cells-and-immune-dynamics-in-the-tumor-microenvironment-and-metastatic-niches