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

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment by harnessing the body's immune system to target and eliminate tumor cells. These inhibitors, which include antibodies targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1, have shown remarkable efficacy in various cancer types, leading to durable responses and prolonged survival in patients who had limited treatment options. The success of ICIs in oncology has sparked a surge in research focused on understanding their mechanisms of action, identifying biomarkers for response, managing immune-related adverse events, and expanding their application to a broader range of malignancies.

However, despite the transformative impact of ICIs, many challenges remain. The majority of patients do not achieve complete responses, resistance to therapy is common, and the long-term effects of immune modulation are not fully understood. Ongoing research is crucial to optimize the use of ICIs, overcome resistance, and develop combination therapies that can enhance their efficacy.

This Collection aims to compile cutting-edge research and reviews on immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer, encompassing a wide range of topics that reflect the current state and future directions of this rapidly evolving field. The issue will include but is not limited to the following themes:

Mechanisms of Action: Exploration of how ICIs modulate immune responses against cancer, including molecular and cellular mechanisms.

Clinical Applications: Studies on the efficacy and safety of ICIs in various cancer types, including ongoing clinical trials and real-world evidence.

Biomarkers of Response and Resistance: Research on predictive biomarkers for ICI efficacy, including genetic, proteomic, and immunological factors.

Combination Therapies: Investigations into the synergistic effects of ICIs with other treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and other immunotherapies.

Management of Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAEs): Studies focusing on the identification, prevention, and management of irAEs associated with ICIs.

Emerging Targets and Future Directions: Reviews and original research on novel immune checkpoint targets beyond PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4, and innovative therapeutic strategies in development.

Ethical, legal, and regulatory challenges arising from the ever-growing implementation of highly innovative techniques, and how to best meet such challenges in order to ensure equitable, patient-centered access to the most effective personalized/precision medicine-based diagnostics/therapeutics approaches as they become available.

We believe that this Collection will not only provide valuable insights into the current challenges and opportunities associated with ICIs but also serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving cancer outcomes.

Keywords: immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer treatment, biomarkers, immune-related adverse events, immune checkpoint targets