Lymphotoxin network pathways shape the tumor microenvironment

Accumulating evidence indicates that Lymphotoxin (LT)-β related cytokines directly contribute to the phenotype of cancer cells and alter the tumor microenvironment. Lymphotoxins are part of a cytokine network well known in controlling the development and homeostasis of secondary lymphoid organs. In the adult, the LT network takes on the responsibility of generating inflammatory microenvironments that control innate and adaptive immune responses involved in host defense. This review provides a perspective of the emerging evidence implicating the LT Network in the development and progression of various cancers including lymphoma. Redirecting the LT Network to alter tumor microenvironments may provide a specific approach to therapeutically target tumor-permissive microenvironments and cancer progression.