Fig. 2

The Role of CAFs in the TME.CAFs support tumor growth, migration, angiogenesis, drug resistance, and immune suppression by secreting factors like TGF-β, IL-6, VEGF, and PDGF. They enhance angiogenesis, promote drug resistance via STAT3 and NF-κB, and recruit immune cells such as Tregs and MDSCs. CAFs also remodel the extracellular matrix, affecting immune cell infiltration, while CAF-derived exosomes further impact tumor progression and immunity