Cancer stem cells and niches: challenges in immunotherapy resistance.

Mol Cancer

Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.

Published: February 2025

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are central to tumor progression, metastasis, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance. Characterized by remarkable self-renewal and adaptability, CSCs can transition dynamically between stem-like and differentiated states in response to external stimuli, a process termed "CSC plasticity." This adaptability underpins their resilience to therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies (ACT). Beyond intrinsic properties, CSCs reside in a specialized microenvironment-the CSC niche-which provides immune-privileged protection, sustains their stemness, and fosters immune suppression. This review highlights the critical role of CSCs and their niche in driving immunotherapy resistance, emphasizing the need for integrative approaches to overcome these challenges.

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11852583PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12943-025-02265-2DOI Listing

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