Targeting tumour-infiltrating B cells: mechanisms and advances in cancer therapy

The emergence of immunotherapy has heralded a new era in cancer treatment, with countless patients reaping the benefits of this innovative approach. While the majority of immunotherapy research has concentrated on T cells, there is a growing body of evidence highlighting the significant role of tumor-infiltrating B cells(TIL-Bs) in tumor immunity. This review synthesizes the potential mechanisms by which B cells contribute to tumor proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and angiogenesis. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of TIL-Bs within the tumor microenvironment(TME) and their impact on the cancer immune response, emphasizing their dual role as both allies and adversaries in the fight against cancer. To explain this phenomenon, we propose a dynamic regulatory framework of the TME targeting B cells, which indicates that the functions of B cells adjust in response to the dynamic changes of the tumor microenvironment. Understanding the mechanisms of B cell action within the TME is crucial for the development of targeted immunotherapies that leverage TIL-Bs. Finally, this article summarizes the latest advances in TIL-Bs in cancer immunotherapy and provides a historical overview of the evolution of immunotherapeutic strategies.