CAFs can influence tumor growth in several ways: - Secretion of Growth Factors: They secrete growth factors such as TGF-β, VEGF, and FGF, which promote tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis. - Extracellular Matrix Remodeling: CAFs modify the extracellular matrix, providing a scaffold that supports tumor cell invasion and metastasis. - Immune Modulation: They can modulate the immune response by secreting cytokines and chemokines, which can either suppress or promote immune cell infiltration and function.
