Function of antigen-presenting cells in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The most common type of lung cancer called NSCLC avoids immune monitoring by blocking antigen display and T cell response activation. Anti-tumor immunity requires the essential function of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) which include dendritic cells and macrophages and B cells. NSCLC causes APCs to stop their normal function because they fail to properly display tumor antigens and activate adaptive immune responses. APC dysfunction in NSCLC is mainly caused by the tumor microenvironment (TME) which actively reprograms these cells through inhibitory cytokines and metabolic constraints and immune checkpoints. As a result, NSCLC exhibits poor responses to immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors. The analysis of APC-TME interactions enables researchers to develop strategies that will enhance APC function along with antigen presentation while improving immunotherapy effectiveness. The research examines APC dysfunction in NSCLC together with its TME mechanisms and develops therapeutic strategies to combat immune suppression for better clinical results.