Targetable driver gene–tumor immune microenvironment axis in non-small cell lung cancer: from molecular pathological mechanisms to precision immunotherapy stratification strategies

, actively shape the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) by regulating antigen presentation, immune cell infiltration, cytokine signaling, metabolic programs, and immune checkpoint expression. These interactions generate distinct driver gene-associated immune phenotypes that underlie differential sensitivity and resistance to ICIs. Recent advances in single-cell and spatial profiling have further revealed the complexity and spatial organization of these immune landscapes. In this review, we summarize current mechanistic and clinical evidence supporting the targetable driver gene-TIME axis in NSCLC and discuss its implications for immunotherapy response, resistance, and patient stratification. This integrative framework provides a rationale for precision immunotherapy strategies and the design of biomarker-driven clinical trials.

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Publication Details

Journal
Frontiers in Immunology
Published
2026-04-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1801943
Primary Topic
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Targetable driver gene–tumor immune microenvironment axis in non-small cell lung cancer: from molecular pathological mechanisms to precision immunotherapy stratification strategies

Fengyan Zhang, Xin Zheng, Wenqing Chen
Frontiers in Immunology
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
article

Targetable driver gene–tumor immune microenvironment axis in non-small cell lung cancer: from molecular pathological mechanisms to precision immunotherapy stratification strategies

Fengyan Zhang, Xin Zheng, Wenqing Chen
article en

Abstract

, actively shape the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) by regulating antigen presentation, immune cell infiltration, cytokine signaling, metabolic programs, and immune checkpoint expression. These interactions generate distinct driver gene-associated immune phenotypes that underlie differential sensitivity and resistance to ICIs. Recent advances in single-cell and spatial profiling have further revealed the complexity and spatial organization of these immune landscapes. In this review, we summarize current mechanistic and clinical evidence supporting the targetable driver gene-TIME axis in NSCLC and discuss its implications for immunotherapy response, resistance, and patient stratification. This integrative framework provides a rationale for precision immunotherapy strategies and the design of biomarker-driven clinical trials.

Frontiers in ImmunologyVol. 17
Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CN), Hainan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CN), Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CN)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 23%
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
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