Decoding the Pediatric Brain Tumor Microenvironment: A Molecular Perspective

Dear Colleagues,

Pediatric brain cancers are among the most complex and lethal malignancies in children, driven by diverse biological features and shaped by the unique environment of the developing central nervous system. These tumors demand a deeper understanding that goes beyond histological classification, focusing instead on the dynamic interactions between tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) in pediatric brain tumors is increasingly recognized as a key player in disease progression and treatment resistance. Far from being static, the TME evolves in response to tumor-intrinsic signals and therapeutic interventions, comprising immune cells, stromal elements, vasculature, and molecular mediators. Compared to adult brain tumors, pediatric TMEs often display low immune infiltration and high immunosuppressive activity, posing significant challenges for immunotherapy.

Recent advances in high-resolution molecular profiling are beginning to unravel the complexity of the pediatric brain TME. Technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing, whole transcriptomics, mass spectrometry, and mass cytometry are enabling researchers to map cellular diversity, signaling networks, and immune landscapes with unprecedented detail.

The central aim of this Special Issue is to illuminate the state-of-the-art molecular characterization of the pediatric brain tumor microenvironment. We seek contributions that leverage cutting-edge omics approaches, including single-cell RNA sequencing, whole transcriptomics, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, and mass cytometry, to dissect the cellular and molecular architecture of the TME. By integrating these high-resolution datasets, researchers can uncover novel biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and mechanistic insights that are essential for advancing precision immunotherapy in pediatric neuro-oncology.

We welcome original research articles, reviews, and systematic analyses that advance our understanding of the pediatric brain TME and its role in shaping clinical outcomes.

Dr. Samuele Tardito
Guest Editor

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