Exploring the Role of Cellular Interactions in the Colorectal Cancer Microenvironment.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as one of the tumors with globally high incidence and mortality rates. In recent years, researchers have extensively explored the role of the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) in CRC, highlighting the crucial influence of immune cell populations in driving tumor progression and shaping therapeutic outcomes. The TME encompasses an array of cellular and noncellular constituents, spanning tumor cells, immune cells, myeloid cells, and tumor-associated fibroblasts, among others. However, the cellular composition within the TME is highly dynamic, evolving throughout different stages of tumor progression. These shifts in cell subpopulation proportions lead to a gradual transition in the immune response, shifting from an early antitumor growth to a late-stage environment that supports tumor survival. Therefore, it is crucial to further investigate and understand the complex interactions among the various cell populations within the TME. In this review, we explore the key cellular components of varying origins, subpopulations with shared origins, and noncellular elements within the CRC TME, examining their interconnections and critical considerations for developing personalized and precise immunotherapy strategies.