Background: The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a highly complex and dynamic ecosystem composed of diverse immune cell populations. Among them, tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) have gained increasing attention due to their dual roles in tumor progression and immunomodulation. Although neutrophils are traditionally recognized as key effector cells of the innate immune system against microbial infection, accumulating evidence highlights their functional plasticity in cancer.Methods: This review systematically summarizes and analyzes published literature focusing on TAN biology, immune regulatory mechanisms, and their impact on immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy responses.Results: Current evidence indicates that TANs contribute to tumor initiation and progression through multiple molecular and cellular pathways. They actively participate in immune evasion within the TME and can modulate the efficacy of ICIs. Mechanistically, TANs influence anti-tumor immunity through diverse signaling networks and cellular interactions that reshape the immune landscape of tumors.Conclusion: Targeting TAN-associated pathways represents a promising strategy to improve ICI therapeutic efficacy. A deeper understanding of TAN-mediated immune regulation provides a useful framework for developing novel cancer immunotherapy approaches.
Liu et al. (Fri,) studied this question.