Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality around the world. The lack of detailed understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms participating in the lung tumor progression restrains the development of efficient treatments. Recently, by using state-of-the-art technologies, including in vivo sophisticated Cre/loxP technologies in combination with lung tumor models, it was revealed that osteoblasts activate neutrophils that promote tumor growth in the lung. Strikingly, genetic ablation of osteoblasts abolished lung tumor progression via interruption of SiglecFhigh-expressing neutrophils supply to the tumor microenvironment. Interestingly, SiglecFhigh neutrophil signature was associated with worse lung adenocarcinoma patients outcome. This study identifies novel cellular targets for lung cancer treatment. Here, we summarize and evaluate recent advances in our understanding of lung tumor microenvironment.
Keywords: Lung; Neutrophils; Osteoblasts; Tumor microenvironment.