FIGURE 3.

Principal strategies for CAF‐directed anti‐cancer therapies. Main anti‐cancer therapies targeting the stromal compartment in tumors are shown. CAF can be directly depleted by either transgenic technologies or immunotherapies. CAF can also be normalized and adopt an inactive phenotype through the use of molecules, such as vitamin A or vitamin D. Furthermore, targeting crucial signals and effectors of CAF such as chemokines and growth factor pathways can be used to inhibit CAF activation or functions. Finally, CAF‐derived extracellular matrix proteins and associated signaling can be targeted to induce stromal depletion and increase immune T cell infiltration. FAP, fibroblast activation protein; CAR, chimeric antigen receptor; IL‐6, Interleukin 6; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; ECM, extracellular matrix