Immune cell in the tumor microenvironment

Immune cells in the tumor microenvironment refers collectively to various immune cell subtypes that infiltrate or surround tumors, including T cells (CD4+, CD8+), B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages (M1, M2), dendritic cells, and others[1][2][4]. These cell types can exert pro-tumor or anti-tumor effects and are central to the body's natural immune surveillance against neoplastic growth, as well as the efficacy and side effects of modern cancer immunotherapies[1][2][4]. Their composition, activation status, and interactions with tumor cells significantly impact patient prognosis, response to immunotherapy, and disease progression[2][3][4]. Biomarkers such as CD3, CD19, and PD-1/PD-L1 levels are frequently used to characterize and quantify these immune populations[1][2].

Other names

Tumor-infiltrating immune cellTILimmune infiltratetumor microenvironment-infiltrating immune cell