Neuroblastoma Tumor Microenvironment: Innate and Adaptive Immunity

The past twenty years have seen a resurgence of interest in cancer immunology and inclusion of immunotherapy as a treatment modality. Technological advancements have enabled a more detailed and simultaneous examination of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and their interactions with neuroblastoma cells, thereby highlighting the biological and prognostic importance of these cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). While rapid progress has been made in identifying TME cells in diagnostic and relapsed tumors, our understanding of their dynamic changes in the context of therapy and metastatic sites remains limited. Additionally, more extensive research is needed to comprehend the system biology of the tumor microenvironment and the combined contributions of its various components to neuroblastoma therapy resistance and recurrence. This chapter provides an overview of the current state of knowledge concerning various tumor-infiltrating immune cells, outlining their biological significance and potential utility as therapeutic targets.