Xia Zihan, De Wever Olivier
Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
Trends Cancer. 2025 Aug;11(8):770-789. doi: 10.1016/j.trecan.2025.04.012. Epub 2025 Jun 4.
The plasticity of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) refers to their ability to adopt a spectrum of distinct phenotypes or states in response to dynamic changes within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent advances in single-cell technologies have enabled detailed characterization of the heterogeneity and spatial complexity of CAF subpopulations across multiple tumor types. Notably, CAF subtypes undergo dynamic transitions during tumor progression and therapy pressure. This review systematically summarizes the current knowledge on CAF plasticity shaped by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, delineates research gaps, and highlights CAF phenotypic switching as a potential therapeutic opportunity.
癌症相关成纤维细胞（CAFs）的可塑性是指它们在肿瘤微环境（TME）内动态变化的响应下呈现一系列不同表型或状态的能力。单细胞技术的最新进展使得详细表征多种肿瘤类型中CAF亚群的异质性和空间复杂性成为可能。值得注意的是，CAF亚型在肿瘤进展和治疗压力期间会发生动态转变。本综述系统地总结了目前关于由内在和外在因素塑造的CAF可塑性的知识，勾勒出研究空白，并强调CAF表型转换是一个潜在的治疗机会。
