What is this collection about?

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and dynamic ecosystem composed of diverse cellular and non-cellular components, such as cancer cells, stromal cells, immune infiltrates, blood vessels, lymphatics, extracellular matrix components, metabolites, and signaling molecules. Far from being a passive backdrop, the TME actively shapes tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy through intricate cellular and molecular interactions. Targeting the TME has emerged as a critical strategy in oncology, offering opportunities to disrupt supportive networks, overcome drug resistance, develop tailored interventions, and improve patient outcomes.

With this cross-journal Collection, the editors at Nature Immunology, Nature Communications, Communications Medicine, and Scientific Reports invite manuscripts that highlight cutting-edge research on TME crosstalk and its therapeutic implications. Topics of interest include immune modulation and checkpoint pathways, cancer-associated fibroblasts and stromal remodeling, angiogenesis and vascular normalization, metabolic reprogramming within the TME, and the role of microbiota in tumor-immune dynamics. We also welcome studies on novel therapeutic approaches that exploit TME vulnerabilities to advance cancer treatment.

Nature Communications, Communications Medicine will consider original Articles, Reviews and Perspectives. Nature Immunology and Scientific Reports will only consider original Articles.

Why is this collection important? 

Despite major advances in cancer research, treatment resistance, disease recurrence, and metastasis remain significant challenges for many patients. Increasing evidence shows that the tumor microenvironment plays a central role in these processes, with dynamic interactions between cancer cells, immune cells, stromal cells, and other microenvironmental components influencing tumor progression and response to therapy.

This Collection supports research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) – Good Health and Well-being by advancing our understanding of tumor microenvironment crosstalk and its therapeutic implications. By bringing together discoveries from immunology, oncology, and translational medicine, the Collection aims to accelerate the development of more effective and personalized cancer treatments and improve outcomes for patients.

Why submit to a collection? 

Collections like this one help promote high-quality science. They are led by In-House Editors who are experts in their fields and supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores, and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest. 

Who is involved? 

Communications Medicine is edited by both in-house professional editors and Editorial Board Members.

Nature Immunology is edited by in-house professional editors.

Nature Communications is edited by in-house professional editors.

Scientific Reports is edited by both in-house professional editors and Editorial Board Members.

Our editors work closely together to ensure the quality of our published papers and consistency in author experience. 

How can I submit my paper? 

Visit the Collection page to find out more about this collection and submit your article.