Mesothelial and immune cells interplay in the tumor microenvironment

Trends in Molecular Medicine 2025 April 29 [Link]

Rong Sheng, Yujia Yin, Xipeng Wang

Abstract

Mesothelial cells (MCs) constitute a dynamic mesothelium in which their numerous crucial functions synergistically interact with other cells to maintain serosal integrity and homeostasis. Previous studies have confirmed the crucial role of interactions between MCs and tumor cells in tumorigenesis and progression in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, recent research has found that MCs can induce an immunosuppressive microenvironment by secreting various cytokines, chemokines, and exosomes which recruit immunosuppressive cells or interact with immune cells, thus contributing to tumor progression. This review primarily examines the immunoregulatory role of MCs in the TME of mesothelioma and metastatic pleural and peritoneal carcinomas. It also explores the potential mechanisms by which these interactions induce immunosuppression and their impact on tumor growth and therapy.