CAF inhibitors work through various mechanisms, including:
1. Blocking CAF Activation: Agents like TGF-β inhibitors can prevent the activation of fibroblasts into CAFs. 2. Disrupting CAF-Cancer Cell Interactions: Drugs targeting CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling can block the communication between CAFs and cancer cells. 3. Inhibiting CAF Functions: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors can prevent CAFs from remodeling the extracellular matrix, which is essential for tumor invasion and metastasis.
