A framework for advancing our understanding of cancer-associated fibroblasts

Erik Sahai, Igor Astsaturov, Edna Cukierman, David G. DeNardo, Mikala Egeblad, Ronald M. Evans, Douglas Fearon, Florian R. Greten, Sunil R. Hingorani, Tony Hunter, Richard O. Hynes, Rakesh K. Jain, Tobias Janowitz, Claus Jorgensen, Alec C. Kimmelman, Mikhail G. Kolonin, Robert G. Maki, R. Scott Powers, Ellen Puré, Daniel C. RamirezRuth Scherz-Shouval, Mara H. Sherman, Sheila Stewart, Thea D. Tlsty, David A. Tuveson, Fiona M. Watt, Valerie Weaver, Ashani T. Weeraratna, Zena Werb

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

2184 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the tumour microenvironment with diverse functions, including matrix deposition and remodelling, extensive reciprocal signalling interactions with cancer cells and crosstalk with infiltrating leukocytes. As such, they are a potential target for optimizing therapeutic strategies against cancer. However, many challenges are present in ongoing attempts to modulate CAFs for therapeutic benefit. These include limitations in our understanding of the origin of CAFs and heterogeneity in CAF function, with it being desirable to retain some antitumorigenic functions. On the basis of a meeting of experts in the field of CAF biology, we summarize in this Consensus Statement our current knowledge and present a framework for advancing our understanding of this critical cell type within the tumour microenvironment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)174-186
Number of pages13
JournalNature Reviews Cancer
Volume20
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2020

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