The role of tumor-infiltrating B cells in the development and pathogenesis of head and neck cancers: Implications for therapeutic approach

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) pose a significant global health challenge, with treatment complexities and profound impacts on patient quality of life. Tumor-infiltrating B cells (TIBs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) are emerging as critical yet dual regulators of HNC immunity, exhibiting both pro- and anti-tumorigenic properties. This manuscript explores the prognostic and predictive roles of TIBs across diverse HNCs, including squamous cell carcinomas and lymphomas. TIBs enhance antitumor immunity through antibody production, antigen presentation, and the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), which correlate with improved survival and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Conversely, regulatory B cells contribute to immunosuppression, promoting tumor progression. Notably, high TIB infiltration, particularly within TLSs, is associated with superior outcomes in ICI-treated patients, highlighting their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, challenges such as data variability and limited study scales underscore the need for further investigation into TIB subpopulations and their molecular dynamics. Future research should prioritize understanding TIB interactions with other immune cells and developing novel immunotherapies, including genetic engineering and oncolytic viruses, to advance HNC treatment and optimize patient outcomes.