Multiple immune and tissue microenvironment pathways

Multiple immune and tissue microenvironment pathways is a descriptive term used to characterize the broad range of signaling networks and cellular interactions within a local tissue environment, most notably the tumor microenvironment (TME). This concept encompasses pathways involved in immune evasion, such as those mediated by the TAM receptor family (TYRO3, AXL, MERTK), as well as pathways driving angiogenesis and stromal support, such as VEGFR and PDGFR signaling (Mirati Therapeutics, 2023). In the context of oncology, these pathways collectively regulate the recruitment and activation of immunosuppressive cells like myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), which hinder the body's natural anti-tumor response (Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2020). Therapeutic agents targeting these multiple pathways, such as the spectrum-selective kinase inhibitor sitravatinib, aim to reprogram the TME from an immunosuppressive state to one that promotes immune-mediated tumor destruction (Clinical Cancer Research, 2021). Because this term refers to a collection of biological processes rather than a single molecular entity, it is not classified as a specific therapeutic target but rather a multi-target therapeutic strategy. Monitoring these pathways often involves assessing biomarkers like PD-L1 expression or the density of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to predict therapeutic efficacy. However, modulating multiple pathways simultaneously can lead to complex safety profiles, including systemic toxicities and immune-related adverse events.

Other names

Tumor microenvironment pathwaysImmune and stromal signaling networksTME pathwaysImmune microenvironment pathways

Simultaneous inhibition of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) to modulate the immune and stromal components of the tissue microenvironment.