The TME exerts a profound influence on tumor behavior through several mechanisms:
- Angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels within the TME is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis. Histological staining techniques, such as immunohistochemistry (IHC), can identify markers of angiogenesis like VEGF and CD31. - Immune Evasion: Tumors can manipulate the TME to evade immune surveillance by recruiting immunosuppressive cells like regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). IHC can help visualize these immune cells in tumor sections. - Hypoxia: Tumor growth often outpaces the development of new blood vessels, leading to hypoxic conditions within the TME. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are key regulators of cellular response to low oxygen levels and can be detected using specific antibodies in histological samples.
