The functional roles of chemokines and chemokine receptors in colorectal cancer progression

Biomed Pharmacother. 2024 Jan:170:116040. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116040. Epub 2023 Dec 18.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy with significant rates of morbidity and mortality. A number of factors, including the tumor microenvironment, chemokines, the inflammatory response, have an impact on the development of colorectal cancer. A critical component of the tumor microenvironment is chemokines. Various cell subsets are attracted to the tumor microenvironment through interactions with chemokine receptors. These cells have varying effects on the development of the tumor and the effectiveness of treatment. Additionally, chemokines can participate in inflammatory processes and have effects that are either pro- or anti-tumor. Chemokines can be exploited as targets for medication resistance and treatment in colorectal cancer. In this review, we discuss the expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors, and their relationship with immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. At the same time, we also collect and discuss the significance of chemokines and chemokine receptors in colorectal cancer progression, and their potential as molecular targets for CRC treatment.

Keywords: Chemokines; Chemokines receptors; Colorectal cancer; Inflammation; Tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemokines / metabolism
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Chemokine* / metabolism
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Receptors, Chemokine
  • Chemokines