Figure 8.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) manipulate the immune system to evade detection and destruction. They lure and reprogram immune cells like macrophages into allies, suppress T cell activity with various molecules (IDO, TGF-β), and cloak themselves by reducing recognition markers (HLA, NKG2DL). Additionally, they exploit checkpoints (PD-L1/PD-1) to further inhibit T cell function and express CD-47 to avoid being engulfed by macrophages. Through this multi-pronged attack, CSCs create a supportive environment for tumor growth while evading immune elimination. (Adapted from Müller et al.⁷⁹ under CC BY, Frontiers Publishers).