Neuro-Immune-Tumor Network: Multidimensional Regulatory Mechanisms in the Tumor Microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem consisting of tumor cells, immune cells, nerve fibers, and the extracellular matrix, whose dynamic interactions determine tumor progression, metastasis, and therapeutic response. In recent years, the neuro-immune-tumor network has emerged as a novel research focus, challenging the traditional view that the nervous, immune, and tumor systems are regulated independently. Consistent with the scope for authors, this network involves bidirectional crosstalk: nerve fibers innervate the TME to regulate immune and tumor cell function via neurotransmitters, while immune cells reshape nerve innervation through cytokines. Abnormalities in this crosstalk, a key focus of the authors’ research scope, lead to immune suppression, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance. Despite progress in studies of individual components, the multidimensional regulatory mechanisms—core content for authors to explore—remain unclear. Clarifying these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies, aligning with the information requirements for authors to address unresolved issues in this field.The primary goal of this Research Topic is to systematically address the unresolved question of the multidimensional regulatory mechanisms of the neuro-immune-tumor network in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Specifically, we aim to clarify the bidirectional crosstalk between nerve fibers, immune cells, and tumor cells, and to explore how abnormalities in this network lead to immune suppression, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance. By integrating recent research findings, this Research Topic intends to summarize the core regulatory pathways of the neuro-immune-tumor network, identify key molecular targets, and provide a theoretical basis for developing novel targeted therapies and improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Ultimately, it aims to promote in-depth research in the field of cancer neuroscience and to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical translation.This Research Topic focuses on the neuro-immune-tumor network in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and contributors are invited to address the following specific themes:1. Bidirectional crosstalk mechanisms between nerve fibers (e.g., nociceptors, sympathetic nerves) and immune cells (e.g., macrophages, T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells [MDSCs]) in the TME.2. Molecular and cellular pathways underlying the regulation of tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by the neuro-immune-tumor network.3. Abnormalities of the neuro-immune-tumor network associated with immune suppression, immune evasion, and resistance to immunotherapy or targeted therapy.4. Novel molecular targets and potential therapeutic strategies targeting the neuro-immune-tumor network for cancer treatment.Contributions should consist of Original Research or comprehensive Reviews, aligning with the core goal of clarifying multidimensional regulatory mechanisms.Please note: Manuscripts based solely on bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions from public databases, without accompanying validation (an independent clinical or patient cohort, or biological validation in vitro or in vivo not based on public databases), are not suitable for publication in this journal. Topic editors: Shenglong Li, Yu Peng, Feng Zhao, Jianling Xia, Aibo Wang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84983/neuro-immune-tumor-network-multidimensional-regulatory-mechanisms-in-the-tumor-microenvironment