Host endothelial cells and surrounding tissue microenvironment (None)

The host endothelial cells and surrounding tissue microenvironment constitute a dynamic functional unit essential for maintaining vascular integrity and tissue homeostasis. Endothelial cells form the primary barrier of the circulatory system, regulating the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste while controlling leukocyte recruitment during inflammatory responses (Pober & Sessa, 2007). The surrounding microenvironment, often referred to as the stroma, consists of the extracellular matrix, fibroblasts, pericytes, and various immune cells that provide structural and biochemical support (Hanahan & Coussens, 2012). In pathological states such as cancer, this environment is reprogrammed to facilitate tumor growth, provide a niche for metastasis, and shield malignant cells from immune surveillance (Joyce & Pollard, 2009). Therapeutic interventions targeting this system typically focus on inhibiting angiogenesis or normalizing the vasculature to improve drug delivery and immune infiltration (Ferrara & Adamis, 2016). Because this target encompasses a broad range of cell types and signaling networks, it is considered a systemic compartment rather than a single molecular entity.

Other names

Vascular microenvironmentTissue stromaEndothelial nichePerivascular microenvironmentTumor microenvironment (TME)

Inhibition of pro-angiogenic signaling pathways (primarily the VEGF/VEGFR axis), modulation of vascular permeability, disruption of the extracellular matrix, and alteration of immune cell infiltration within the tissue niche.