Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Tumorigenicity and Targeting for Cancer Therapy

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogenous group of activated fibroblasts and a major component of the tumor stroma. CAFs may be derived from fibroblasts, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, cancer stem cells, adipocytes, pericytes, or stellate cells. These complex origins may underlie their functional diversity, which includes pro-tumorigenic roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, the suppression of anti-tumor immunity, and resistance to cancer therapy. Several methods for targeting CAFs to inhibit tumor progression and enhance anti-tumor immunity have recently been reported. While preclinical studies have shown promise, to date they have been unsuccessful in human clinical trials against…