Stable tumor
In this colorectal tumor sample, distinct areas with different biological processes highlight the tumor’s heterogeneity across the tissue. Tumor cells (pan-cytokeratin, blue) can be visualized interacting with antigen-presenting cells (HLA-DR, yellow). The absence of infiltrating immune cells (CD45, magenta) suggests an area of stable tumor growth.
Metastatic Immune-infiltrated
In this tumor section, a tertiary lymphoid structure (CD45+, HLA-DR+, white round structure) is visible. These structures resemble lymph nodes in their cellular components and organization and can result in local immune responses. Tertiary lymphoid structures can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on tumor progression, so understanding these structures is important in immunology.
Immune-infiltrated
Tumor-infiltrating immune cells (CD45, magenta) encounter antigen presenting tumor cells (HLA-DR, yellow). Tumor cells in high immune infiltrated areas have high antigen presenting ability, priming the adaptive immune response against the tumor. Identifying these immune-infiltrated areas is crucial for understanding tumor-immune interactions and developing targeted immunotherapies.