Tumor cell intrinsic mechanisms of immune escape

Cancer arises in a multi-step process involving acquisition of mutations, activation of oncogenes and the loss of tumor suppressive mechanisms in normal cells. Such intrinsic genetic events lead to cellular transformation and gain of aggressive traits including enhanced proliferation and survival, as well as invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. Recent evidence suggests that tumor cell-intrinsic signaling pathways can also lead to suppression of the immune response against tumor cells resulting in failure of cancer cells to be recognized and eliminated by the host immune system. Insights into the tumor-intrinsic mechanisms of immune escape will not only expand our understanding of tumor development and progression but help develop new combinations of therapeutic strategies in immuno-oncology to better align them with targeted therapeutics. Historically, the literature on oncogenes and tumor suppressor mechanisms has focused on signaling pathways leading to tumor cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis. Here, in this special thematic collection published in Cell Communication and Signaling (https://link.springer.com/collections/dbbfcgaece), we featured commentaries, review articles, and primary research articles that highlight recent work focused on the molecular and mechanistic links between intrinsic oncogenic signaling and mechanisms of immune escape. We conclude with commentary and open questions and challenges that remain in this emerging field.