Immune Modulation and Precision Targeting of the Tumor Microenvironment
A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmacology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 22 June 2026 | Viewed by 200
Special Issue Editor
Interests: medicinal chemistry; anticancer agents; prodrugs; chemistry of heterocyclic compounds; small molecules; structure–activity relationships; organic reactivity; bio-orthogonal chemistry; radiopharmaceuticals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The tumor microenvironment (TME) has emerged as a critical determinant of cancer progression, therapeutic resistance, and immune escape. Its complex architecture—comprising immune cells, stroma, vasculature, extracellular matrix, metabolic gradients, and soluble mediators—offers a wide array of actionable targets. As a result, the development of molecules that can precisely modulate or target key components of the TME represents one of the most promising strategies in modern oncology. This Special Issue is dedicated to researchers designing, engineering, and optimizing such molecular tools to reshape the TME and enhance therapeutic efficacy. We welcome original research and reviews that focus on the conception and evaluation of innovative molecules—including small molecules, peptides, antibodies, engineered proteins, radiopharmaceuticals, and nanotherapeutics—capable of modulating immune activity, altering stromal or vascular dynamics, reprogramming macrophages, relieving immunosuppression, or disrupting pro-tumoral signaling networks. Submissions leveraging advanced technologies such as molecular design and screening, bioconjugation strategies, targeted delivery systems, and radiotheranostics are particularly welcome. Translational and preclinical works evaluating biodistribution, target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutic outcomes are also of high interest. By gathering contributions from chemists, molecular engineers, immunologists, and radiopharmacists, this Special Issue aims to showcase cutting-edge strategies that convert the TME from a therapeutic barrier into a molecularly targetable vulnerability. Ultimately, it seeks to accelerate the development of next-generation molecules designed to modulate, reprogram, or exploit the TME for improved and durable cancer treatment.
Dr. Emmanuel Moreau
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
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Keywords
- tumor microenvironment (TME)
- immune modulation
- targeted therapeutics
- molecular engineering
- macrophage reprogramming
- immune checkpoint targeting
- radiotheranostics
- small-molecule modulators
- nanomedicine
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