The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is a dynamic and complex ecosystem that dictates cancer progression, therapeutic response, and patient outcomes. Recent advances in multiplexed imaging, single-cell sequencing, and multi-omics technologies have unveiled unprecedented insights into the spatial, molecular, and functional heterogeneity of TIME components, including immune cells, stromal cells, cytokines, and extracellular matrix interactions. Despite breakthroughs in immunotherapy, challenges persist due to immunosuppressive mechanisms, such as regulatory T-cell infiltration, myeloid-derived suppressor cell activity, and metabolic reprogramming, which enable immune evasion and treatment resistance. Emerging evidence highlights the pivotal roles of novel regulators like circular RNAs, tetraspanins (e.g., CD151), and hypoxia-inducible factors in reshaping TIME and modulating therapeutic efficacy.  

This special issue invites original research and review articles addressing cutting-edge discoveries and translational innovations in TIME biology and intervention strategies. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to mechanistic insights, novel biomarker, therapeutic strategies, technological innovations and clinical translation.

This call leverages insights from tumor-microenvironment crosstalk, mutational landscapes, and emerging therapeutic modalities, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome current limitations in cancer immunotherapy.