What role do cytokines play in the immunosuppressive TME?
Cytokines are crucial signaling molecules that modulate the immune response within the TME. Immunosuppressive cytokines such as TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-6 are often elevated in the TME and contribute to the inhibition of effective anti-tumor immune responses by promoting the expansion of regulatory T cells and MDSCs, while inhibiting cytotoxic T cells and NK cells.
