Intracellular signaling and gene expression pathways in tumor and immune cells

Intracellular signaling and gene expression pathways in tumor and immune cells represent the integrated biochemical networks that translate extracellular stimuli into functional cellular responses (Nature Reviews Cancer, 2021). These pathways, including the PI3K-AKT-mTOR and JAK-STAT cascades, are critical for regulating cell growth, metabolism, and immune surveillance (NIH, 2023). In malignancy, mutations often lead to the constitutive activation of these pathways, driving oncogenesis and therapeutic resistance (PubMed, 2022). Simultaneously, signaling in immune cells determines the efficacy of the anti-tumor response, often being suppressed by the tumor microenvironment (Science, 2020). Because this entry encompasses a vast array of distinct molecular targets rather than a single protein or receptor, it is considered a broad biological category rather than a specific druggable target. Therapeutic strategies often focus on specific nodes within these pathways, such as tyrosine kinases or transcription factors, to restore normal cellular function or enhance anti-tumor immunity (Cell, 2021). Understanding the crosstalk between these pathways is essential for developing effective combination therapies and overcoming drug resistance in complex diseases like cancer (Nature, 2022).

Other names

Signal transduction pathwaysGene regulatory networksOncogenic signaling cascadesImmune cell signaling

Not applicable as this refers to a broad biological process rather than a specific molecular target.