Cancer immunotherapy is a hot area of current oncology research, with its core focus on activating or enhancing the body's immune system's ability to recognize and kill cancer cells. However, cancer cells possess complex heterogeneity and dynamics, which affect the efficacy of immunotherapy in many ways. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as a powerful tool in recent years, providing us with an unprecedented insight into the cellular heterogeneity and dynamics within tumors. This technology has revolutionized our understanding of cancer biology, especially in the context of cancer immunotherapy. By enabling researchers to analyze individual cells, scRNA-seq allows them to identify distinct cell populations, track cellular responses to treatments, and discover new therapeutic targets. This collection aims to compile cutting-edge research in this field and explore the various applications of single-cell RNA sequencing in cancer immunotherapy.

This collection will cover the following topics: 1. The latest advances in single-cell RNA sequencing technology in cancer immunotherapy, including research on technology optimization and data interpretation; 2. Using single-cell RNA sequencing to reveal the characteristics of immune cell subgroups in the tumor microenvironment and their interaction mechanisms with cancer cells; 3. Analyzing the molecular basis of immune therapy response and resistance through single-cell RNA sequencing, exploring new biomarkers and therapeutic targets; 4. Combining single-cell RNA sequencing with clinical studies of immunotherapy to assess treatment outcomes, predict patient prognosis, and optimize treatment plans.

Keywords: cancer immunotherapy, single-cell RNA sequencing, therapeutic targets, tumor microenvironment, treatment response

The immunological and stromal components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) play important roles in supporting or preventing tumor growth. The interaction of tumor cells and immune cells inside the TME is complex, and it can result in immune suppression, immune evasion, or, in the opposite case, successful immune-mediated tumor elimination. Cancer therapy has increasingly focused on targeting the TME. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., anti-PD1, anti-CTLA4), CART cell therapy, and vaccinations are all aimed at reactivating the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy tumor cells. Modulating immune component activity is being investigated as a way to counteract the immunosuppressive TME and boost immunotherapy efficacy. This thematic Collection will provide a thorough understanding of the complex role of the tumor microenvironment in the emergence of cancer treatment resistance, as well as innovative strategies for overcoming this challenge and investigating the tumor microenvironment's contribution to personalized medicine.

Keywords: tumor cells, TAMs, TILs, stromal cells, immunotherapy