Vascular Dynamics and Immune Modulation in Tumor Progression

Tumor progression is profoundly influenced by the interplay between vascular dynamics and immune modulation within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor vasculature is highly abnormal, characterized by irregular vessel structure, leaky endothelial layers, and hypoxic regions, which promote tumor growth and immune evasion. The resulting immunosuppressive microenvironment limits the efficacy of immune-based therapies by restricting immune cell infiltration, facilitating immune checkpoint activation, and promoting pro-tumorigenic signaling.Angiogenesis is a key driver of tumor development, regulated by factors such as VEGF, FGF, and angiopoietins, which not only sustain blood supply but also interfere with immune surveillance. Recent studies suggest that targeting tumor vasculature can improve immune cell trafficking and enhance responses to checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies. Additionally, the interaction between endothelial cells and immune cells plays a crucial role in shaping the immune landscape of tumors. Dysfunctional endothelial cells can suppress T-cell activation via upregulation of PD-L1, FasL, and adhesion molecules, creating an immune-excluded TME.Despite progress, the mechanisms underlying vascular-immune crosstalk remain incompletely understood, and therapeutic strategies to normalize vasculature while boosting anti-tumor immunity are still emerging. This special issue aims to bridge the gap between vascular biology and immuno-oncology, exploring topics such as tumor vessel normalization, vascular-targeted immunotherapies, endothelial-immune interactions, and metabolic influences on the TME. Understanding these processes will provide new insights into developing next-generation cancer therapies that simultaneously target the vascular and immune systems for improved patient outcomes.This Research Topic aims to explore cutting-edge research on the complex interactions between tumor vasculature and immune regulation. We seek original studies and reviews that investigate angiogenesis, immune checkpoint regulation, vascular-targeted immunotherapies, and novel biomarkers to improve cancer treatment outcomes. By bridging insights from vascular biology and immuno-oncology, this issue will highlight emerging strategies to disrupt tumor-promoting networks and enhance therapeutic efficacy.We invite original research, reviews, and clinical studies addressing the following themes:• Mechanisms of Tumor Angiogenesis and Immune Evasion – Exploring how abnormal vasculature contributes to immune suppression and tumor progression.• Tumor Vessel Normalization Strategies – Investigating therapeutic approaches that restore vascular integrity and enhance immune infiltration.• Endothelial-Immune Crosstalk – Examining how endothelial cells regulate immune cell trafficking, activation, and tumor immunity.• Hypoxia and Metabolic Reprogramming in the TME – Understanding how oxygen deprivation and metabolic shifts affect vascular and immune functions.• Targeting the Vasculature for Immunotherapy Enhancement – Developing combination therapies that integrate anti-angiogenic agents with immune checkpoint inhibitors or adoptive cell therapies.• Novel Biomarkers of Vascular and Immune Dysfunction – Identifying predictive markers for response to vascular-targeted and immuno-oncology treatments.By covering these themes, this special issue will provide a comprehensive perspective on the intersection of vascular biology and tumor immunology, aiming to inform new therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment.Please note: Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent clinical or patient cohort, or biological validation in vitro or in vivo, which are not based on public databases) are not suitable for publication in this journal.Topic Editor Yiming Zhou is employed by Base&Byte Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Yunfeng Feng is employed by Celest Therapeutics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Shin-chen Hou is employed by BRIDGEWEST GROUP. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject. Topic editors: Yiming Zhou, Qingtang Lin, GUANGHUA RONG, Yunfeng Feng, Shin-chen Hou, Zuqiang Liu Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/70389/vascular-dynamics-and-immune-modulation-in-tumor-progression