The Immunomodulatory Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Polarization within the Tumor Microenvironment Niche

Figure 1

The role of MSCs in the tumor microenvironment. (a) The antitumor effects of MSC. Circulating MSC may release antitumor paracrine factors causing primary tumor resensitization and cancer cell apoptosis, while infiltrating MSCs may differentiate to contribute to tissue repair. MSCs arrive at tumors following chemoattraction (1), home towards tumors (2), with the goal of performing damage repair (3), and induce primary tumor resensitization and apoptosis (4). (b) The protumorigenic effects of MSCs. Infiltrating MSCs are attracted to tumors via chemoattractants (1), home to tumors (2), participate in secretory crosstalk with tumor cells (3), release proangiogenic and immune-suppressive soluble factors (4), and may support the growth of chemoresistant tumors (5).

(a)

(b)