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Fig. 3 | Cell Communication and Signaling

Fig. 3

From: Radiation combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors for unresectable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: synergistic mechanisms, current state, challenges, and orientations

Fig. 3

The double-edged sword immunomodulatory function of RT on TME. RT can exert a potent antitumor immune response by influencing almost all steps in the cancer-immunity cycle, from the first step of releasing antigens to the final immunomodulatory response. Some essential immune-associated pathways are activated by RT in the process, such as cGAS-STING pathway. However, RT may also induce a suppressed TME in the presence of overactivated MDSCs, TAMs, CAFs and Tregs. Such double-edged sword role would determing the final effect of combining RT and ICIs. Abbreviations: RT radiotherapy, TME Tumor microenvironment, ICD Immunogenic cell death, GMP Cyclic guanosine monophosphate, AMP Adenosine monophosphate, cGAS Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase, STING Stimulator of interferon genes, MDSCs Myeloid-derived suppressor cells, DCs Dendritic cells, Tregs The regulatory T cells, CTLs Cytotoxic lymphocytes, TAMs Tumor-associated macrophages, CAFs Cancer-associated fibroblasts

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Cell Communication and Signaling

ISSN: 1478-811X