FIGURE 2.

Different cell populations exhibit distinct functions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition to the cancer cells, the tumor stroma is composed of many other supporting cell populations as well as the extracellular matrix, which crucially contribute to the tumor progression. The multiple different cell types include carcinoma‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells, and inflammatory or immune cells (like neutrophils, macrophages, regulatory T cells, myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, natural killer cells, platelets, and mast cells). These cell subpopulations interact with each other and with the cancer cells via complex communication network through soluble factors (like growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, matrix proteins, and proteases) as well as proteins of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Abbreviations: TAM, tumor‐associated macrophage; TAN, tumor‐associated neutrophil; MCs, mast cells; MDSC, myeloid‐derived suppressor cell; NK, natural killer cell; Treg, regulatory T cell; CAF, cancer‐associated fibroblast; ECM, extracellular matrix (image created using Biorender Free Software)