How Does the Tumor Microenvironment Affect Immune Response?
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a significant role in modulating the immune response. It consists of cancer cells, stromal cells, immune cells, and extracellular matrix components. Factors in the TME that influence immune response include:
1. Hypoxia: Low oxygen levels can lead to the suppression of immune cell activity. 2. Acidic pH: The acidic environment within tumors can inhibit the function of immune cells. 3. Extracellular Vesicles: Cancer cells release vesicles containing immunosuppressive factors that can modulate immune cell function.
