胃癌免疫微环境的基础理论与临床转化研究 进展
Research Advances in Basic Theory and Clinical Translation of the Gastric Cancer Immune Microenvironment
DOI: 10.12677/acm.2026.162621, PDF, HTML, XML,    科研立项经费支持
作者: 高陈杰, 刘桐炫, 李 伟:西安医学院研究生工作部,陕西 西安;高 攀:延安大学医学部,陕西 延安;普彦淞*:陕西省人民医院营养科,陕西 西安
关键词: 胃癌肿瘤微环境治疗临床转化Gastric Cancer Tumor Microenvironment Therapy Clinical Translation
摘要: 胃癌作为全球范围内发病率和死亡率均居前列的恶性肿瘤,其发生发展与肿瘤免疫微环境(Tumor Immune Microenvironment, TIME)的动态调控密切相关。TIME由免疫细胞、基质细胞、细胞因子及胞外基质等共同构成,通过复杂的细胞间相互作用参与肿瘤的免疫逃逸、侵袭转移及治疗抵抗。近年来,随着免疫检查点抑制剂等免疫治疗策略的临床应用,TIME的异质性、分子机制及临床转化价值成为研究热点。本综述系统梳理了胃癌TIME的组成特征、作用机制及异质性研究进展,深入分析其流行病学特征、病理机制及诊断技术,并探讨靶向TIME的治疗策略与临床转化挑战。研究表明,胃癌TIME中免疫细胞的功能状态、细胞因子网络的失衡及免疫逃逸机制的激活是影响患者预后和治疗响应的关键因素。基于TIME特征的个性化治疗方案(如免疫检查点抑制剂联合靶向治疗)已展现出初步疗效,但仍面临异质性、技术瓶颈等挑战。未来需通过多组学技术整合、动态监测模型构建及新型靶点开发,推动胃癌免疫治疗的精准化与个体化。
Abstract: Gastric cancer, a malignancy with high global incidence and mortality, is closely linked to the dynamic regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The TIME is composed of immune cells, stromal cells, cytokines, and the extracellular matrix, which collectively mediate complex intercellular interactions involved in tumor immune evasion, invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. In recent years, with the clinical application of immunotherapy strategies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, the heterogeneity, molecular mechanisms, and clinical translational significance of the TIME have become major research focuses. This review systematically outlines the compositional characteristics, functional mechanisms, and recent advances in understanding the heterogeneity of the TIME in gastric cancer. It provides an in-depth analysis of its epidemiological features, pathological mechanisms, and diagnostic technologies, and discusses therapeutic strategies targeting the TIME along with challenges in clinical translation. Studies have shown that the functional status of immune cells, the imbalance in cytokine networks, and the activation of immune escape mechanisms within the gastric cancer TIME are key factors influencing patient prognosis and treatment response. Personalized treatment strategies based on TIME features, such as combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with targeted therapies, have demonstrated preliminary efficacy but still face challenges like heterogeneity and technological limitations. Future efforts should focus on integrating multi-omics technologies, constructing dynamic monitoring models, and developing novel therapeutic targets to advance precision and personalized immunotherapy for gastric cancer.
文章引用:高陈杰, 刘桐炫, 李伟, 高攀, 普彦淞. 胃癌免疫微环境的基础理论与临床转化研究 进展[J]. 临床医学进展, 2026, 16(2): 2215-2229. https://doi.org/10.12677/acm.2026.162621

1. 胃癌免疫微环境的基础理论

1.1. 胃癌免疫微环境的组成与特征

胃癌免疫微环境是一个由免疫细胞、基质细胞、细胞因子及胞外基质等共同构成的复杂生态系统,其组成与功能状态直接影响肿瘤的发生发展及治疗响应。免疫细胞作为TIME的核心组分,包括T细胞、B细胞、自然杀伤(NK)细胞、肿瘤相关巨噬细胞(Tumor-Associated Macrophages, TAMs)、树突状细胞(Dendritic Cells, DCs)等。其中,CD8+细胞毒性T细胞的浸润密度与胃癌患者预后密切相关:一项纳入1014例胃癌患者的研究显示,肿瘤内CD8+T细胞密度 > 500/mm2的患者无进展生存期(Progression-Free Survival, PFS)和总生存期(Overall Survival, OS)显著缩短[1],但另一项针对印戒细胞癌的研究则发现,高CD3+T细胞浸润与更长的OS相关(23.7个月vs.15.8个月,p = 0.033) [2],提示T细胞的功能状态可能比单纯密度更重要。TAMs在胃癌TIME中呈现异质性:CD204+M2型TAMs的高浸润与肿瘤进展及不良预后相关,其密度与肿瘤深度(p < 0.001)、淋巴结转移(p < 0.001)显著正相关[3];而CD163+TAMs与CD66b+中性粒细胞的联合浸润可更精准预测患者生存,CD66b低CD163低亚组的风险比(Hazard Ratio, HR)为2.161,显著高于其他亚组[4]。此外,B细胞的浸润模式也具有临床意义:胃癌组织中CD20+B细胞多以三级淋巴结构(Tertiary Lymphoid Structures, TLSs)形式存在,其高浸润与更好的预后相关[5]

除免疫细胞外,细胞因子网络和胞外基质也是TIME的重要组成部分。细胞因子如IL-6、TNF-α、CXCL1等通过调控免疫细胞功能参与肿瘤免疫逃逸:胃癌细胞可通过EGFR/HER2信号通路抑制PD-L1表达及细胞因子(如CCL2、VEGF)释放[6],而TAMs分泌的IL-6和TNF-α则可诱导肿瘤细胞PD-L1表达[7]。胞外基质成分如纤维连接蛋白1 (FN1)和抑制素βB亚基(INHBB)与免疫浸润密切相关:FN1高表达与M2型TAMs浸润正相关[8],INHBB高表达则与巨噬细胞、中性粒细胞等免疫细胞浸润显著相关,且是独立预后危险因素[9]。此外,胃癌TIME还存在显著的分子异质性:基于PD-L1表达和CD8+T细胞浸润可将其分为四种类型,其中PD-L1+TIL+型(约40%)主要见于EBV阳性或微卫星不稳定(Microsatellite Instability-High, MSI-H)亚型,患者预后最佳[10];而EBV相关胃癌(Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Gastric Cancer, EBVaGC)则表现为低CD204+TAMs浸润、高CD8+T细胞浸润及PD-L1高表达[3] [11],其TIME特征与非EBV胃癌存在显著差异。

1.2. 免疫微环境在胃癌中的作用机制

胃癌TIME通过多种机制参与肿瘤的发生发展,其中免疫细胞的功能失衡、细胞因子网络的调控及代谢重编程是核心环节。免疫细胞方面,T细胞的功能耗竭是胃癌免疫逃逸的关键机制:肿瘤细胞可通过表达PD-L1与T细胞表面PD-1结合,抑制CD8+T细胞的增殖和细胞毒性功能[1];而EBVaGC中CD47的高表达可降低CD8+/Foxp3+T细胞比值,削弱抗肿瘤免疫[12]。TAMs的极化状态也显著影响TIME功能:M2型TAMs通过分泌IL-6、TNF-α等细胞因子诱导肿瘤细胞PD-L1表达[7],并通过CXCL8/PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路促进肿瘤耐药[13];而CD103+CD8+T细胞作为组织驻留记忆T细胞,其浸润密度与患者生存正相关,可通过增强肿瘤局部免疫监视改善预后[14]。此外,调节性T细胞(Regulatory T Cells, Tregs)通过分泌IL-10、TGF-β等抑制性细胞因子抑制效应T细胞功能,其高浸润与胃癌进展及不良预后相关[15]

细胞因子网络在TIME的免疫调控中发挥枢纽作用。IL-6作为关键炎症因子,可通过STAT3通路促进肿瘤细胞增殖、侵袭及免疫逃逸:胃癌相关成纤维细胞(Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts, CAFs)分泌的IL-6可诱导肿瘤细胞上皮间质转化(Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, EMT) [16],而TAMs分泌的IL-6则可激活STAT3通路促进PD-L1表达[7]。CXCL8作为另一种重要细胞因子,主要由TAMs分泌,通过CXCR2通路诱导M2型TAMs极化及肿瘤血管生成[7],并与胃癌患者不良预后相关[13]。此外,乳酸作为肿瘤代谢产物,可通过MCT-HIF1α信号通路促进巨噬细胞向M2型极化[17],进一步加剧TIME的免疫抑制。代谢重编程也是TIME调控肿瘤进展的重要机制:胃癌细胞可通过NAD+代谢调节胞外腺苷水平,抑制CD8+T细胞功能[18];而CAFs在缺氧条件下可通过下调COL4A2表达促进肿瘤迁移[19]

1.3. 胃癌免疫微环境的异质性研究进展

胃癌TIME的异质性是影响患者预后和治疗响应的关键因素,其异质性主要体现在分子亚型、空间分布及治疗干预后的动态变化三个层面。分子亚型方面,基于TCGA分类,EBV阳性、MSI-H、染色体不稳定(Chromosomal Instability, CIN)和基因组稳定(Genomically Stable, GS)四种亚型的TIME特征存在显著差异:EBV阳性和MSI-H亚型表现为高CD8+T细胞浸润、高PD-L1表达及低M2型TAMs浸润[10] [20],患者预后较好;CIN亚型则以CD8+T细胞在侵袭边缘浸润为主,肿瘤内巨噬细胞浸润显著[21];GS亚型约50%存在TLSs,但其免疫浸润程度较低[21]。此外,基于铁死亡相关基因表达可将胃癌分为三个亚型,其中FRGCluster C表现为高免疫细胞浸润、高TMB及良好预后[22];基于m6A相关lncRNA表达则可分为两个亚型,其中Cluster1表现为高免疫评分、低突变率及不良预后[23]

空间异质性方面,胃癌TIME中免疫细胞的分布具有显著的区域特征:CD8+T细胞在肿瘤中心和侵袭边缘的浸润密度存在差异,且与PD-L1表达正相关[1];而中性粒细胞则主要富集于侵袭边缘,其高浸润与血管生成及不良预后相关[24]。此外,肿瘤内不同区域的免疫细胞功能状态也存在差异:肿瘤中心的T细胞多处于耗竭状态,而侵袭边缘的T细胞则具有更强的增殖和细胞毒性功能[25]。治疗干预可显著改变TIME的异质性:新辅助化疗(Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, NAC)可降低CD68+巨噬细胞浸润,增加CD8+T细胞浸润,且XELOX方案对CD8+T细胞的激活作用更显著[26];而免疫检查点抑制剂治疗则可诱导TIME从“冷肿瘤”向“热肿瘤”转化,增加CD8+T细胞浸润及PD-L1表达[27]。此外,胃癌TIME的异质性还与患者的种族、性别等因素相关:藏族胃癌患者中EBV阳性率为9.17%,其CD3+、CD8+T细胞浸润及PD-L1表达显著高于非EBV阳性患者[28];女性患者中CD66b+中性粒细胞浸润与良好预后相关,而男性患者则无此关联[29]

2. 胃癌免疫微环境的流行病学分析

2.1. 胃癌免疫微环境异质性的流行病学特征

胃癌TIME的异质性在不同地区、人群及肿瘤分期中表现出显著的流行病学特征。从地区分布来看,东亚地区(如中国、日本、韩国)胃癌发病率较高,其TIME特征与西方人群存在差异:中国胃癌患者中EBV阳性率约为4.3%~9.17% [28] [30],显著高于西方人群的1%~3% [10];而MSI-H亚型的比例则相对较低(约5%~16.7%) [20] [28]。从人群特征来看,年龄、性别及生活习惯均影响TIME异质性:老年患者(≥65岁) CD204+TAMs浸润显著高于年轻患者[3];男性患者PD-L1表达率略高于女性[31];吸烟、饮酒等不良生活习惯可通过诱导炎症反应增加M2型TAMs浸润及IL-6、TNF-α等细胞因子分泌[32]。此外,幽门螺杆菌(Helicobacter pylori, H. pylori)感染作为胃癌的主要危险因素,可通过调控TIME促进肿瘤发生:H. pylori感染可诱导胃黏膜炎症反应,增加Th17细胞浸润及IL-17分泌[33],并通过TLR4/MyD88通路激活NF-κB信号,促进PD-L1表达及免疫逃逸[34]

从肿瘤分期来看,TIME异质性随肿瘤进展逐渐增强:早期胃癌(Ⅰ~Ⅱ期)中CD8+T细胞、B细胞浸润密度较高,PD-L1表达率较低[1];而进展期胃癌(Ⅲ~Ⅳ期)则表现为M2型TAMs、Tregs浸润增加,CD8+T细胞功能耗竭[15] [35]。此外,转移灶的TIME特征与原发灶存在显著差异:胃癌肝转移灶中CD8+T细胞浸润显著低于原发灶,而M2型TAMs浸润则显著增加[36];腹膜转移灶中则表现为高IL-6、CXCL8分泌及免疫抑制性TIME [37]。流行病学研究还发现,TIME异质性与胃癌的病理类型相关:弥漫型胃癌中Tregs、M2型TAMs浸润显著高于肠型胃癌[38];而印戒细胞癌则表现为低CD3+T细胞浸润、高PD-L1表达[2]。基于TIME特征的免疫评分系统(如LRS/MRS评分)可有效预测患者预后:高LRS (淋巴样评分)、低MRS (髓样评分)患者OS显著延长[39];而基于免疫细胞浸润的SVM签名则可准确预测胃癌患者的化疗响应[40]

2.2. 不同人群中胃癌免疫微环境的差异

不同人群中胃癌TIME的差异主要体现在免疫细胞浸润、分子标志物表达及免疫逃逸机制等方面。种族差异是TIME异质性的重要来源:藏族胃癌患者中EBV阳性率为9.17%,其CD3+、CD8+T细胞浸润及PD-L1表达显著高于汉族患者[28];而非洲裔美国人胃癌患者中MSI-H亚型的比例则相对较高(约15%~20%)。性别差异也影响TIME特征:女性患者CD66b+中性粒细胞浸润与良好预后相关,而男性患者则无此关联[29];女性患者PD-L1表达率略低于男性,但对免疫治疗的响应率更高[31]。此外,年龄差异也导致TIME异质性:老年患者(≥65岁) CD204+TAMs、Tregs浸润显著高于年轻患者[3] [15],而年轻患者(<50岁)则表现为高CD8+T细胞浸润及PD-L1低表达[32]

生活习惯和环境因素也显著影响TIME异质性:吸烟可通过诱导氧化应激增加M2型TAMs浸润及IL-6、TNF-α分泌[32];饮酒则可通过激活TLR4信号通路促进PD-L1表达及免疫逃逸[34];而高盐饮食可通过破坏胃黏膜屏障,增加H. pylori感染风险,进而诱导TIME炎症反应[33]。此外,肠道菌群的差异也参与TIME调控:胃癌患者肠道菌群多样性显著降低,且拟杆菌属、双歧杆菌属等有益菌丰度降低,而大肠杆菌属、链球菌属等有害菌丰度增加[41];肠道菌群可通过代谢产物(如短链脂肪酸)调控免疫细胞功能,影响TIME的免疫状态[42]。基于人群差异的TIME特征,个性化免疫治疗策略已初步展现出临床价值:针对EBV阳性胃癌患者的PD-1抑制剂治疗响应率可达63.3% [43];而针对MSI-H亚型患者的免疫治疗响应率则约为40%~50% [20]

2.3. 胃癌免疫微环境与预后的关系

胃癌TIME的特征与患者预后密切相关,其中免疫细胞浸润状态、分子标志物表达及免疫逃逸机制是关键预后因素。免疫细胞浸润方面,CD8+T细胞、B细胞的高浸润与良好预后相关:CD8+T细胞密度 > 500/mm2的患者OS显著延长(HR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.42~0.80) [1];而CD20+B细胞高浸润患者的5年OS率可达70%以上[5]。相反,M2型TAMs、Tregs的高浸润则与不良预后相关:CD204+TAMs高浸润患者的癌症特异性生存显著缩短(HR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.27~3.68) [3];Tregs高浸润患者的OS率显著低于低浸润患者(HR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.12~2.83) [15]。此外,免疫细胞的功能状态也影响预后:CD103+CD8+T细胞高浸润患者的5年OS率显著高于低浸润患者(P = 0.002) [14];而PD-1+CD8+T细胞高浸润患者的预后则较差[7]

分子标志物方面,PD-L1、EBV及MSI状态是重要的预后指标:PD-L1高表达(CPS ≥ 1)患者的OS显著延长(HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.39~0.96) [31];EBV阳性患者的5年OS率可达60%~70% [11];而MSI-H亚型患者的预后也显著优于微卫星稳定(Microsatellite Stable, MSS)亚型(HR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.22~0.85) [44]。此外,细胞因子及代谢标志物也与预后相关:IL-6高表达患者的OS显著缩短(HR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.21~2.95) [7];而FN1、INHBB等高表达则与不良预后相关[8] [9]。免疫逃逸机制的激活也影响预后:CD47高表达患者的OS显著缩短(HR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.32~4.15) [12];而TAMs分泌的CXCL8高表达则与CD8+T细胞功能抑制及不良预后相关[7]。基于TIME特征的预后模型已展现出良好的临床应用价值:如基于7个免疫相关基因(CXCL3、NOX4等)构建的风险模型可有效预测患者OS (AUC = 0.77) [45];而基于4个EMT相关基因(CALU、PCOLCE2等)构建的模型则可预测MSI-H亚型患者的预后(HR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.14~3.95) [46]

3. 胃癌免疫微环境的病理机制

3.1. 胃癌免疫微环境中的细胞因子网络

胃癌TIME中的细胞因子网络通过调控免疫细胞功能、肿瘤细胞生物学行为及血管生成参与肿瘤进展,其核心由促炎因子、趋化因子及免疫抑制因子构成。促炎因子如IL-6、TNF-α、IL-17等是TIME炎症反应的关键介质:IL-6由TAMs、CAFs及肿瘤细胞分泌,通过STAT3通路促进肿瘤细胞增殖、EMT及PD-L1表达[7] [16];TNF-α主要由TAMs和NK细胞分泌,通过NF-κB通路诱导肿瘤细胞凋亡,但也可通过促进M2型TAMs极化及PD-L1表达参与免疫逃逸[35];IL-17则由Th17细胞和中性粒细胞分泌,通过诱导CXCL1、CXCL8等趋化因子分泌促进中性粒细胞浸润及血管生成[24]。趋化因子如CXCL8、CXCL12、CCL2等通过招募免疫细胞参与TIME调控:CXCL8由TAMs分泌,通过CXCR2通路招募中性粒细胞及M2型TAMs [7];CXCL12由CAFs分泌,通过CXCR4通路招募Tregs及肿瘤干细胞[16];CCL2则由肿瘤细胞分泌,通过CCR2通路招募单核细胞并分化为M2型TAMs [47]

免疫抑制因子如IL-10、TGF-β、VEGF等则通过抑制免疫细胞功能促进肿瘤免疫逃逸:IL-10由Tregs、M2型TAMs分泌,通过抑制CD8+T细胞增殖及IFN-γ分泌削弱抗肿瘤免疫[15];TGF-β由CAFs、肿瘤细胞分泌,通过SMAD通路诱导Tregs分化及M2型TAMs极化[48];VEGF由肿瘤细胞、TAMs分泌,通过VEGFR2通路促进血管生成及免疫细胞排斥[6]。此外,细胞因子网络还存在显著的交互调控:IL-6可诱导TNF-α分泌[7],而TNF-α则可促进IL-10表达[35];CXCL8可通过激活STAT3通路增强IL-6的促肿瘤效应[13]。细胞因子网络的失衡与胃癌患者预后密切相关:IL-6高表达患者的OS显著缩短(HR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.21~2.95) [7];而CXCL8高表达则与CD8+T细胞功能抑制及不良预后相关[7]。基于细胞因子网络的治疗策略已初步展现出临床价值:如IL-6抑制剂托珠单抗联合PD-1抑制剂可显著提高胃癌患者的治疗响应率[49];而CXCR2抑制剂则可通过抑制中性粒细胞浸润改善TIME免疫状态[7]

3.2. 免疫细胞在胃癌微环境中的功能

胃癌TIME中免疫细胞的功能状态是影响肿瘤免疫逃逸及患者预后的关键因素,不同免疫细胞亚群通过复杂的相互作用参与TIME调控。CD8+T细胞作为主要的抗肿瘤免疫细胞,其功能耗竭是胃癌免疫逃逸的核心机制:肿瘤细胞通过表达PD-L1、CTLA-4等免疫检查点分子与CD8+T细胞表面受体结合,抑制其增殖及细胞毒性功能[1] [50];而TAMs分泌的IL-6、TNF-α则可通过诱导CD8+T细胞PD-1表达增强其耗竭状态[7]。此外,CD8+T细胞的代谢重编程也参与功能调控:肿瘤微环境中的乳酸可通过抑制mTOR通路减少CD8+T细胞的葡萄糖摄取,削弱其细胞毒性功能[18]。CD4+T细胞亚群的功能失衡也显著影响TIME:Th1细胞通过分泌IFN-γ激活巨噬细胞及CD8+T细胞功能,其高浸润与良好预后相关[51];而Th2细胞则通过分泌IL-4、IL-13促进M2型TAMs极化,其高浸润与不良预后相关[33];Tregs通过分泌IL-10、TGF-β抑制效应T细胞功能,其高浸润与肿瘤进展及治疗抵抗相关[15]

TAMs作为TIME中最丰富的免疫细胞,其极化状态决定其功能:M1型TAMs通过分泌IL-12、TNF-α等促炎因子激活抗肿瘤免疫,其高浸润与良好预后相关[14];而M2型TAMs则通过分泌IL-6、TGF-β等抑制性因子促进肿瘤免疫逃逸,其高浸润与不良预后相关[3]。TAMs的极化状态受多种因素调控:胃癌细胞分泌的CSF-1可诱导单核细胞分化为M2型TAMs [7];而H. pylori感染则可通过TLR4通路促进M1型TAMs极化[34]。NK细胞作为innate免疫的重要组成部分,其功能缺陷参与胃癌免疫逃逸:肿瘤细胞通过表达HLA-G、PD-L1等分子抑制NK细胞的细胞毒性功能[52];而TAMs分泌的IL-10则可通过抑制NK细胞的IFN-γ分泌削弱其抗肿瘤效应[15]。DCs作为抗原呈递细胞,其功能障碍是胃癌免疫逃逸的重要环节:肿瘤细胞通过分泌VEGF、IL-10等因子抑制DCs的成熟及抗原呈递功能[53];而EBV感染则可通过诱导DCs表达PD-L1促进T细胞耗竭[12]

3.3. 胃癌免疫逃逸机制的研究进展

胃癌免疫逃逸机制复杂多样,主要包括免疫检查点分子激活、免疫细胞功能抑制、肿瘤细胞抗原缺失及代谢重编程等。免疫检查点分子激活是胃癌免疫逃逸的核心机制:PD-1/PD-L1通路的激活可抑制CD8+T细胞的增殖及细胞毒性功能,约37.8%的胃癌患者肿瘤细胞表达PD-L1,74.9%的患者免疫细胞表达PD-L1 [54];CTLA-4通路的激活则可抑制T细胞的活化及增殖,约86.6%的胃癌患者肿瘤浸润免疫细胞表达CTLA-4 [55];此外,LAG3、TIM-3等其他免疫检查点分子的激活也参与胃癌免疫逃逸[56]。免疫细胞功能抑制也是胃癌免疫逃逸的重要环节:TAMs通过分泌IL-6、TNF-α诱导肿瘤细胞PD-L1表达[7];Tregs通过分泌IL-10、TGF-β抑制效应T细胞功能[15];而MDSCs则通过抑制CD8+T细胞的增殖及IFN-γ分泌削弱抗肿瘤免疫[57]

肿瘤细胞抗原缺失可通过减少免疫识别促进免疫逃逸:约50%的胃癌患者存在HLA-I类分子表达缺失[12];而EBV感染则可通过诱导肿瘤细胞表达EBV相关抗原增加免疫识别[11]。代谢重编程通过调控免疫细胞代谢参与胃癌免疫逃逸:肿瘤细胞的Warburg效应导致乳酸积累,通过抑制mTOR通路减少CD8+T细胞的葡萄糖摄取[18];而肿瘤细胞的谷氨酰胺代谢则可通过减少胞外谷氨酰胺浓度抑制CD8+T细胞的增殖[58]。此外,肿瘤细胞还可通过诱导免疫细胞凋亡促进免疫逃逸:肿瘤细胞表达的FasL可与免疫细胞表面Fas结合诱导其凋亡[35];而分泌的TRAIL则可通过TRAIL-R通路诱导NK细胞凋亡[52]。基于免疫逃逸机制的治疗策略已取得显著临床进展:PD-1抑制剂纳武利尤单抗可显著延长晚期胃癌患者的OS (HR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.51~0.78) [59];而CTLA-4抑制剂伊匹木单抗联合纳武利尤单抗则可进一步提高治疗响应率[59]

4. 胃癌免疫微环境的诊断技术

4.1. 胃癌免疫微环境的生物标志物

胃癌TIME的生物标志物是预测患者预后、指导治疗决策的关键工具,主要包括免疫细胞标志物、免疫检查点分子、细胞因子及分子亚型标志物等。免疫细胞标志物方面,CD8+T细胞、M2型TAMs及Tregs的浸润密度是常用指标:CD8+T细胞密度 > 500/mm2的患者OS显著延长[1];CD204+TAMs高浸润患者的癌症特异性生存显著缩短[3];而Foxp3+Tregs高浸润则与不良预后相关[15]。免疫检查点分子方面,PD-L1、PD-1及CTLA-4的表达状态是免疫治疗的重要预测指标:PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1的患者免疫治疗响应率可达22%~27% [60];而PD-1+CD8+T细胞高浸润则与免疫治疗耐药相关[7]。细胞因子标志物方面,IL-6、CXCL8及VEGF的表达水平与患者预后及治疗响应相关:IL-6高表达患者的OS显著缩短[7];而CXCL8高表达则与免疫治疗耐药相关[7]

分子亚型标志物方面,EBV、MSI及HER2状态是胃癌精准治疗的重要依据:EBV阳性患者免疫治疗响应率可达63.3% [43];MSI-H亚型患者免疫治疗响应率约为40%~50% [20];而HER2阳性患者则可从抗HER2治疗联合免疫治疗中获益[31]。此外,新型生物标志物如CD103、LAG3及TMB也展现出潜在的临床价值:CD103+CD8+T细胞高浸润与良好预后相关[14];LAG3高表达则与免疫治疗耐药相关[56];而TMB高(≥10 mutations/Mb)患者免疫治疗响应率显著高于TMB低患者[61]。基于多生物标志物的联合检测可提高预测准确性:如PD-L1 CPS联合EBV状态可将免疫治疗响应率预测准确性提高至70%以上[43];而CD8+T细胞密度联合TMB则可有效预测患者预后。

4.2. 免疫组化在胃癌免疫微环境中的应用

免疫组化(Immunohistochemistry, IHC)是评估胃癌TIME特征的常用技术,通过检测免疫细胞标志物、免疫检查点分子及细胞因子的表达水平,为临床决策提供依据。免疫细胞标志物的IHC检测可有效评估TIME的免疫浸润状态:CD3、CD8等T细胞标志物的检测可量化T细胞浸润密度[1];CD68、CD163等巨噬细胞标志物的检测可区分M1/M2型TAMs [4];而Foxp3、CD25等Tregs标志物的检测则可评估免疫抑制程度[15]。免疫检查点分子的IHC检测是免疫治疗的重要伴随诊断:PD-L1的IHC检测(如22C3、SP142抗体)可评估肿瘤细胞及免疫细胞的PD-L1表达水平[54];PD-1的IHC检测可评估T细胞的耗竭状态[50];而CTLA-4的IHC检测则可评估T细胞的活化程度[55]

细胞因子及分子亚型标志物的IHC检测也具有重要临床价值:IL-6、TNF-α等细胞因子的IHC检测可评估TIME的炎症反应程度[7];EBV编码RNA(EBER)的原位杂交检测可诊断EBVaGC [3];而MSI相关蛋白(如MLH1、MSH2)的IHC检测则可筛查MSI-H亚型[20]。此外,IHC技术的发展(如多重IHC、数字病理分析)进一步提高了TIME评估的准确性:多重IHC可同时检测多种标志物(如CD3、CD8、PD-L1),评估免疫细胞的空间分布及相互作用[30];而数字病理分析则可通过定量分析免疫细胞密度及分布,提高检测的reproducibility [1]。IHC技术的临床应用也面临一些挑战:如PD-L1检测的抗体差异、判读标准不统一等[62],但随着标准化流程的建立及人工智能辅助判读系统的应用,其准确性正在不断提高。

4.3. 胃癌免疫微环境的分子诊断技术

随着分子生物学技术的发展,基于多组学的分子诊断技术已成为评估胃癌TIME特征的重要手段,主要包括转录组学、基因组学、代谢组学及单细胞测序等。转录组学技术如RNA-seq可通过分析基因表达谱评估TIME的免疫浸润状态:基于免疫相关基因表达的风险模型可有效预测患者预后[45];而免疫细胞浸润的转录组特征(如CD8A、IFNG等基因表达)可区分“热肿瘤”与“冷肿瘤”[27]。基因组学技术如全外显子测序(WES)可通过分析TMB、MSI等分子特征预测免疫治疗响应:TMB高患者免疫治疗响应率显著高于TMB低患者[61];而MSI-H亚型患者则对免疫治疗高度敏感[20]

代谢组学技术如液相色谱–质谱(LC-MS)可通过分析代谢产物评估TIME的代谢状态:肿瘤微环境中的乳酸、kynurenine等代谢产物可抑制免疫细胞功能[18];而短链脂肪酸等有益代谢产物则可促进抗肿瘤免疫[41]。单细胞测序技术如scRNA-seq可通过分析单个细胞的基因表达谱揭示TIME的细胞异质性:胃癌TIME中可鉴定出多种免疫细胞亚群(如CD8+T细胞、Tregs、TAMs等) [63];而不同亚群的功能状态及相互作用可通过细胞通讯分析揭示[30]。此外,液体活检技术如循环肿瘤DNA (ctDNA)、循环肿瘤细胞(CTCs)及外泌体检测也展现出潜在的临床价值:ctDNA检测可评估TMB、MSI等分子特征[64];CTCs检测可评估肿瘤细胞的免疫逃逸状态[65];而外泌体检测则可评估TIME的细胞因子网络[66]

5. 胃癌免疫微环境的治疗策略

5.1. 胃癌免疫微环境靶向治疗的现状

胃癌TIME靶向治疗策略主要包括免疫检查点抑制剂、免疫细胞治疗、细胞因子靶向治疗及代谢重编程靶向治疗等,其中免疫检查点抑制剂已成为临床标准治疗方案。免疫检查点抑制剂方面,PD-1/PD-L1抑制剂的临床应用取得显著进展:纳武利尤单抗作为晚期胃癌三线治疗药物,可显著延长患者OS (HR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.51~0.78) [59];而帕博利珠单抗则被批准用于PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1的晚期胃癌患者[67]。此外,CTLA-4抑制剂联合PD-1抑制剂的双免疫治疗策略也展现出良好的临床疗效:纳武利尤单抗联合伊匹木单抗的客观缓解率(Objective Response Rate, ORR)可达20%~30% [59]。免疫细胞治疗方面,嵌合抗原受体T细胞(Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell, CAR-T)治疗在胃癌中的应用仍处于临床研究阶段:针对Claudin18.2的CAR-T细胞治疗的ORR可达30%~40% [68];而针对HER2的CAR-T细胞治疗则展现出初步疗效[69]

细胞因子靶向治疗方面,IL-6、CXCL8等细胞因子抑制剂的临床研究正在进行:IL-6抑制剂托珠单抗联合PD-1抑制剂可显著提高胃癌患者的治疗响应率[49];而CXCR2抑制剂则可通过抑制中性粒细胞浸润改善TIME免疫状态[7]。代谢重编程靶向治疗方面,针对Warburg效应、谷氨酰胺代谢等的抑制剂展现出潜在的临床价值:NAD+代谢抑制剂FK866可通过减少胞外腺苷水平增强CD8+T细胞功能[18];而谷氨酰胺酶抑制剂则可通过抑制肿瘤细胞谷氨酰胺代谢改善TIME [58]。此外,靶向基质细胞的治疗策略也正在探索中:CAFs抑制剂如帕唑帕尼可通过抑制CAFs的活化改善TIME免疫浸润[70];而TAMs抑制剂如CSF1R抑制剂则可通过耗竭M2型TAMs增强抗肿瘤免疫[9]

5.2. 免疫检查点抑制剂在胃癌中的应用

免疫检查点抑制剂(Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, ICIs)是胃癌免疫治疗的核心策略,其临床应用主要包括单药治疗、联合治疗及新辅助/辅助治疗等。单药治疗方面,PD-1抑制剂是晚期胃癌三线治疗的标准方案:纳武利尤单抗的ORR可达10%~17%,OS可达5.2~6.2个月[59];帕博利珠单抗的ORR可达15%~20%,OS可达5.6~7.4个月[67]。联合治疗方面,PD-1抑制剂联合化疗已成为晚期胃癌一线治疗的标准方案:纳武利尤单抗联合XELOX方案的ORR可达50%~60%,OS可达13.8~15.3个月[71];而帕博利珠单抗联合SOX方案的ORR可达45%~55%,OS可达12.5~14.2个月[67]。此外,PD-1抑制剂联合抗HER2治疗也展现出良好的临床疗效:帕博利珠单抗联合曲妥珠单抗及化疗的ORR可达60%~70%,OS可达16.0~18.0个月[31]

新辅助/辅助治疗方面,PD-1抑制剂联合化疗的临床研究正在进行:纳武利尤单抗联合FLOT方案作为新辅助治疗的ORR可达70%~80%,病理完全缓解(Pathological Complete Response, pCR)率可达15%~20% [72];而帕博利珠单抗联合XELOX方案作为辅助治疗的3年DFS率可达60%~70% [67]。ICIs的临床应用也面临一些挑战:如免疫相关不良事件(Immune-Related Adverse Events, irAEs)的管理、治疗耐药的克服等。irAEs主要包括皮肤毒性、胃肠道毒性及肝脏毒性等,其发生率约为20%~30% [73];而治疗耐药则主要与TIME异质性、免疫逃逸机制的激活等相关[74]。为克服治疗耐药,联合治疗策略(如ICIs联合靶向治疗、ICIs联合放疗)正在探索中:ICIs联合抗血管生成治疗可通过改善TIME血管生成增强免疫细胞浸润[49];而ICIs联合放疗则可通过诱导免疫原性细胞死亡增强抗肿瘤免疫[75]

5.3. 胃癌免疫微环境的个性化治疗方案

基于胃癌TIME特征的个性化治疗方案是未来免疫治疗的发展方向,主要包括基于分子亚型的治疗、基于TIME免疫状态的治疗及基于患者特征的治疗等。基于分子亚型的治疗方面,不同亚型的胃癌患者应采用不同的治疗策略:EBV阳性患者可优先选择PD-1抑制剂单药治疗[43];MSI-H亚型患者可选择PD-1抑制剂联合CTLA-4抑制剂治疗[20];而HER2阳性患者则应选择PD-1抑制剂联合抗HER2治疗[31]。基于TIME免疫状态的治疗方面,“热肿瘤”患者可选择ICIs单药或联合治疗[27];“冷肿瘤”患者则应选择ICIs联合化疗、放疗或靶向治疗以将其转化为“热肿瘤”[49];而“免疫抑制型肿瘤”患者则应选择ICIs联合免疫细胞治疗或细胞因子抑制剂[74]

基于患者特征的治疗方面,年龄、性别、生活习惯等因素应纳入治疗决策:老年患者(≥65岁)应优先选择安全性较高的ICIs单药治疗[59];女性患者则可选择ICIs联合化疗以提高治疗响应率[31];而吸烟、饮酒等不良生活习惯的患者则应在治疗的同时进行生活方式干预[32]。此外,基于动态监测的治疗调整也至关重要:通过IHC、RNA-seq等技术动态监测TIME特征,根据治疗响应调整治疗方案[76];而液体活检技术则可实现实时监测,及时发现治疗耐药[64]。基于多组学技术的个性化治疗方案已展现出初步的临床价值:如基于RNA-seq的TIME特征分析可将胃癌患者分为免疫激活型、免疫抑制型及免疫忽略型,不同亚型患者采用不同的治疗策略[27];而基于scRNA-seq的细胞异质性分析则可识别出关键的免疫细胞亚群,为靶向治疗提供依据[63]

6. 胃癌免疫微环境的临床转化挑战

6.1. 胃癌免疫微环境异质性对治疗的影响

胃癌TIME的异质性是临床转化的主要挑战之一,其对治疗的影响主要体现在治疗响应的差异、治疗耐药的发生及不良反应的异质性等方面。治疗响应的差异方面,不同TIME亚型的患者对免疫治疗的响应率存在显著差异:EBV阳性患者免疫治疗响应率可达63.3% [43];MSI-H亚型患者响应率约为40%~50% [20];而MSS亚型患者响应率则仅为10%~15% [60]。治疗耐药的发生方面,TIME异质性是主要原因之一:“冷肿瘤”患者由于T细胞浸润不足,对ICIs治疗耐药[27];而“免疫抑制型肿瘤”患者由于M2型TAMs、Tregs高浸润,对ICIs治疗也易产生耐药[74]。此外,TIME的动态变化也参与治疗耐药:治疗过程中肿瘤细胞可通过诱导PD-L1表达、Tregs浸润等方式重塑TIME,导致耐药[76]

不良反应的异质性方面,不同TIME亚型的患者ICIs治疗相关irAEs的发生率存在差异:“免疫激活型肿瘤”患者由于免疫反应较强,irAEs发生率较高(约30%~40%) [73];而“免疫抑制型肿瘤”患者则由于免疫反应较弱,irAEs发生率较低(约10%~20%) [73]。为应对TIME异质性对治疗的影响,基于多组学技术的精准分型是关键:通过RNA-seq、scRNA-seq等技术将胃癌患者分为不同的TIME亚型[63];而基于亚型特征的个性化治疗方案则可提高治疗响应率[27]。此外,联合治疗策略也可有效克服TIME异质性:ICIs联合化疗可通过诱导免疫原性细胞死亡增加T细胞浸润[71];而ICIs联合靶向治疗则可通过抑制免疫逃逸机制增强抗肿瘤免疫[49]

6.2. 胃癌免疫微环境研究的技术瓶颈

胃癌TIME研究的技术瓶颈主要包括样本获取的局限性、检测技术的准确性及数据分析的复杂性等方面。样本获取的局限性方面,胃癌TIME的研究主要依赖于手术切除标本,而晚期患者的活检标本由于体积小、异质性高,难以准确反映TIME特征[30];此外,TIME的动态变化研究需要连续样本,而临床实践中难以获取[76]。检测技术的准确性方面,PD-L1检测中抗体克隆与评分体系缺乏统一标准[62];而scRNA-seq技术的细胞捕获效率较低(约10%~30%),难以全面反映TIME的细胞异质性[63]。数据分析的复杂性方面,多组学数据的整合分析需要复杂的生物信息学方法,而目前的分析工具仍存在局限性[38];此外,TIME的空间异质性分析需要空间转录组学等新型技术,而其临床应用仍处于起步阶段[30]

为突破技术瓶颈,新型检测技术的开发及数据分析方法的优化是关键:液体活检技术如ctDNA、外泌体检测可实现TIME特征的实时监测[64];而空间转录组学技术则可实现TIME空间异质性的分析[30]。此外,人工智能技术的应用也可提高数据分析的准确性:机器学习算法可通过整合多组学数据实现TIME亚型的精准分型[27];而深度学习算法则可通过分析IHC图像实现免疫细胞密度的自动量化[1]

7. 展望

未来研究的突破点在于开发能够克服上述瓶颈的技术与方法,并据此构建新的临床转化范式。

首先,应用空间多组学技术解析TIME全景,解决异质性认知盲区。新兴的空间转录组学(Spatial Transcriptomics)和多重荧光成像(Multiplexed Immunofluorescence)技术有望革命性地解决空间异质性问题。这些技术不仅能在原位同时检测数十乃至上百种基因或蛋白表达,还能精确保留其空间位置信息。通过全景式扫描整个肿瘤切片,我们可以超越“单点活检”的局限,定量分析不同功能区域(如肿瘤核心、侵袭前沿、三级淋巴结构)的免疫细胞组成、状态及相互通信网络,总结出肿瘤内是否存在特定的免疫抑制性生态位(如由特定基质细胞和M2型TAMs构成的区域),其空间分布和大小是否比整体生物标志物表达更能预测免疫治疗耐药?这能为识别真正可能从联合治疗(如ICI联合基质靶向药物)中获益的患者提供精确依据。

其次,推动动态、无创监测与功能验证整合,实现治疗策略的实时调整。未来的转化研究应致力于构建“活检定义基线–液体活检动态监测–功能实验验证”的三位一体体系。基于血液的循环肿瘤DNA (ctDNA)和免疫细胞分析可用于监测治疗过程中TIME克隆演化及系统免疫状态的变化。关键假设在于:治疗早期ctDNA中免疫相关基因表达谱的改变或特定免疫细胞克隆的扩增,能否比影像学更早地预测应答或耐药?结合患者来源的类器官(PDOs)与免疫细胞共培养模型,可以在体外功能性验证上述监测发现,并筛选个性化的联合治疗方案。例如,当液体活检提示某种免疫抑制通路(如TGF-β信号)上调时,可立即在PDO模型上测试ICI联合TGF-β抑制剂的疗效。

总之,未来的临床转化必须从追求单一的、静态的生物标志物,转向理解TIME的空间架构和动态演变规律。通过整合空间多组学、液体活检和功能模型,我们最终目标是构建一个能够在治疗前精确分型、在治疗中动态预警并指导调整的精准免疫治疗体系,从而将胃癌免疫微环境的深刻认知转化为切实的临床获益。

基金项目

陕西省教育厅科研计划项目(21JS041);陕西省科技厅一般项目(2024JC-YBMS-715)。

NOTES

*通讯作者。

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