biostudies-literatureHe JZthe Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute Science and Technology Programthe National Cohort of Esophageal Cancer of Chinathe Innovative Team Grant of Guangdong Department of Educationthe Excellent Young Researchers Program of the 5th Affiliated Hospital of SYSUthe National Science Foundation of China136https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10230698biostudies-literatureUnknown42(1)<h4>Background</h4>Increasing evidence indicates that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a crucial determinant of cancer progression. However, the clinical and pathobiological significance of stromal signatures in the TME, as a complex dynamic entity, is still unclear in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).<h4>Methods</h4>Herein, we used single-cell transcriptome sequencing data, imaging mass cytometry (IMC) and multiplex immunofluorescence staining to characterize the stromal signatures in ESCC and evaluate their prognostic values in this aggressive disease. An automated quantitative pathology imaging system determined the locations of the lamina propria, stroma, and invasive front. Subsequently, IMC spatial analyses further uncovered spatial interaction and distribution. AdditionaJournal of experimental & clinical cancer research : CRSpatial analysis of stromal signatures identifies invasive front carcinoma-associated fibroblasts as suppressors of anti-tumor immune response in esophageal cancer.PMC102306982016YFC0901400081772532M201714WYYXQN-20210162021KCXTD00582102689Pang XXZeng FMZhang HFShen WJWu JYLiu YYu SXWang SHLi EMHe JZHuang QFChen YXu XELi ZYXu LYfalseSpatial analysis of stromal signatures identifies invasive front carcinoma-associated fibroblasts as suppressors of anti-tumor immune response in esophageal cancer.<h4>Background</h4>Increasing evidence indicates that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a crucial determinant of cancer progression. However, the clinical and pathobiological significance of stromal signatures in the TME, as a complex dynamic entity, is still unclear in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).<h4>Methods</h4>Herein, we used single-cell transcriptome sequencing data, imaging mass cytometry (IMC) and multiplex immunofluorescence staining to characterize the stromal signatures in ESCC and evaluate their prognostic values in this aggressive disease. An automated quantitative pathology imaging system determined the locations of the lamina propria, stroma, and invasive front. Subsequently, IMC spatial analyses further uncovered spatial interaction and distribution. Additiona2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 May2025-04-19T23:05:35.255Z2025-04-19T23:05:35.255ZS-EPMC102306983725412610.1186/s13046-023-02697-y