This center conducts systematic and in-depth research focused on the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy, achieving a series of original academic results. It provides novel insights and strategies for targeting the tumor microenvironment and for immunotherapy against solid tumors, contributing to advancements in the field and exerting significant international influence. Key research findings include:
(1) Discovering new subtypes of various pro-tumorigenic stromal and immune cells within the microenvironment and elucidating their tumor-promoting mechanisms, thereby opening new directions for tumor immunotherapy;
(2) Isolating and identifying receptors for important pro-tumorigenic cytokines, revealing new pathways of immune regulation within the microenvironment;
(3) Discovering novel functions of non-coding RNAs involved in cell signaling within the tumor microenvironment, enriching the understanding of mechanisms within the immunomodulatory signaling network of the microenvironment.
Building upon the above research, the center has proposed the Theory of Tumor Ecology:
(1) Tumor ecology refers to the complex regulatory network of interactions between malignant tumor cells and the various systems within the host's internal environment where they reside.
(2) The tumor ecosystem regulates the occurrence, metastasis, recurrence, and treatment resistance of malignant tumors.
(3) Tumor metastasis and progression are regulated by the local tumor microenvironment, the pre-metastatic niche of distant organs, as well as the systemic immune and neuroendocrine systems.