Tumor-associated neutrophils: potential therapeutic targets in
pancreatic cancer immunotherapy
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC), a highly malignant tumor of the digestive system
with poor therapeutic response and low survival rates. In recent years,
immunotherapy have developed rapidly and achieved substantial results in
many malignant neoplasms. However, responses to immunotherapy in PC are
rare and its immunosuppressive and desmoplastic tumor microenvironment
(TME) composes an important impediment to their efficacy in PC.
Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) play a crucial role in the PC
microenvironment, exerting a profound influence on PC immunotherapy
through establishing a robust stromal shelter and restraining immune
cells to assist PC cells in immune escape, which may subvert the current
situation of immunotherapy for PC. The purpose of this review is to
offer a thorough summary of the latest progress in comprehending the
involvement of TANs in PC desmoplastic and immunosuppressive functions,
as well as to emphasize the potential therapeutic consequences of
focusing on TANs in the immunotherapy of this destructive ailment. Last
but not least, we have provided an outlook for the future of TANs in PC
immunotherapy.