Biomechanics of the tumor extracellular matrix and regulatory T cells: regulatory mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

ABSTRACT: Tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells (TI-Tregs) are characterized by their abnormal accumulation and heightened immunosuppressive activity. However, the biomechanical mechanisms that govern Treg identity and function through extracellular matrix (ECM) properties remain poorly understood. In three-dimensional culture systems and the tumor microenvironment (TME), increased matrix stiffness and viscoelasticity have been shown to promote Treg differentiation and expansion. Structural remodeling of the ECM, particularly the realignment of collagen fibers and the reduction in effective pore size, significantly enhances Treg migration. Moreover, biomechanical signals derived from the ECM strengthen the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) metabolic phenotype and immunosuppressive function of Tregs

SUBMITTER: Huang WB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12369269 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature