Multiple cellular and tissue microenvironment components (TME)

The term 'Multiple cellular and tissue microenvironment components' refers to the complex and dynamic ecosystem surrounding a specific tissue or tumor, commonly known as the tumor microenvironment (TME) [1]. This environment is composed of various cellular entities, including immune cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, as well as non-cellular components like the extracellular matrix (ECM) and signaling molecules such as cytokines [2]. These components interact to regulate essential biological processes like angiogenesis, immune evasion, and metabolic reprogramming, which are often hijacked in diseases like cancer to promote survival and metastasis [3]. While many therapeutic agents target specific molecules within this system—such as PD-1 on T-cells or VEGF in the stroma—the microenvironment itself is a multi-component system rather than a single molecular target [4]. Consequently, this entry is considered 'incorrect' as a single target because it encompasses a vast array of distinct biological entities that require specific, individual characterization for drug development [5]. [1] https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/tumor-microenvironment [2] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2020.01.030 [3] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-018-0014-x [4] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107753 [5] https://doi.org/10.1186/s12964-020-0530-4

Other names

Tumor microenvironmentTissue microenvironmentStromaExtracellular matrixTumor niche

Modulation of the cellular and extracellular components of the tissue environment to inhibit disease progression or enhance therapeutic response.