Tumor-infiltrating B cells: their role and application in anti-tumor immunity in lung cancer

Abstract

Evidence indicates that lung cancer development is a complex process that involves interactions between tumor cells, stromal fibroblasts, and immune cells. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells play a significant role in the promotion or inhibition of tumor growth. As an integral component of the tumor microenvironment, tumor-infiltrating B lymphocytes (TIBs) exist in all stages of cancer and play important roles in shaping tumor development. Here, we review recent clinical and preclinical studies that outline the role of TIBs in lung cancer development, assess their prognostic significance, and explore the potential benefit of B cell-based immunotherapy for lung cancer treatment.

Keywords: B cells; Bregs; immunotherapy; lung cancer; tumor-infiltrating B cells.

Fig. 1

The dynamic conversion processes and immunomodulatory effects of B cells in lung cancer. B cell infiltration, development, and polarization can be regulated by the tumor microenvironment. B cells not only inhibit tumor growth by secreting immunoglobulins, promoting T cell response, and potentially direct killing tumor cells but can also suppress antitumor immune response by Bregs, which produce immunosuppressive cytokines to regulate T cells, NK cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC); secrete pathological antibodies; or promote angiogenesis. The large blue area represents the TLS within the lung tumor. Solid lines and dashed lines depict the proved and potential effects of B cells, respectively. Arrows represent promotion effects, and the blunt ends are suppression effects