Targeting spatial immune diversity in head and neck cancer for improved therapeutic strategies

Head and neck cancers display notable heterogeneity in their immune cell infiltrates, which reflect intricate spatial arrangements and dynamic networks of interactions between cancerous and immune cells. Recent technological advancements in spatial transcriptomics, multiplex imaging, and functional single-cell profiling have made it possible to examine these interactions with remarkable detail. Gaining insights into how immune cell subsets localize, participate in communications, and influence cancer progression is critical in identifying new therapeutic strategies. This Research Topic delves into the spatial organization and functional dynamics of interactions between immune and cancer cells in head and neck cancer. We encourage studies that employ innovative spatial and functional profiling techniques to uncover communication networks among immune cells and identify strategies for functional reprogramming of immune components. By merging mechanistic insights with practical applications, this collection aspires to hasten the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies.To further deepen our understanding, we welcome submissions covering, but not limited to, the following themes:• Spatial transcriptomic and imaging-based characterization of immune-cancer niches.• Functional analysis of communication networks between immune cells and cancer cells.• Effects of spatial heterogeneity on immune evasion and treatment response.• Innovative approaches to modulating immune pathways for cancer therapy enhancement.• Translational insights connecting spatial immunology to clinical outcomes in head and neck cancer.We invite a variety of article types, including original research, reviews, and case reports, to enrich our collective understanding of these critical interactions in cancer biology.Please note that manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases which are not accompanied by robust and relevant validation (clinical cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of scope for this Research Topic. Topic editors: Phillipp Brockmeyer, VUI KING VINCENT-CHONG, Zhanpeng Ou, Manuel Weber Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75416/targeting-spatial-immune-diversity-in-head-and-neck-cancer-for-improved-therapeutic-strategies