Systemic immune and stromal cell networks

Systemic immune and stromal cell networks represent the integrated, multi-organ communication pathways between various immune cell subsets and structural stromal cells, such as fibroblasts and endothelial cells (Nature, 2020). These networks are essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and coordinating systemic responses to local pathological insults like tumors or infections (Cell, 2021). In chronic diseases and cancer, these networks are often co-opted to create immunosuppressive environments or drive persistent fibrosis, extending beyond the local site to involve the bone marrow, spleen, and peripheral blood (Science, 2017). Because this term describes a high-level biological framework rather than a specific protein, enzyme, or receptor, it is not considered a conventional therapeutic target. Instead, it serves as a conceptual model for identifying specific molecular nodes—such as cytokines, chemokines, or surface receptors—that can be targeted to reprogram the overall state of the system from a pathological to a homeostatic one.

Other names

Immune-stromal interactomeSystemic immune-stromal crosstalkCellular communication networksTumor-immune-stromal microenvironment

Not applicable; this term refers to a complex biological system of interacting cell types rather than a single druggable molecular target.