Over the past decade, the advent of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has transformed cancer treatment. Unlike conventional cytotoxic and targeted therapies, immunotherapy leverages both the innate and adaptive immune systems to target and eradicate tumors within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME is a highly organized ecosystem shaped by the intricate interactions between its diverse cellular and non-cellular components, which include tumor cells, immune cells, microbiota, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and the extracellular matrix. Consequently, gaining a thorough understanding of the TME's diversity and complexity, as well as its genomic connections, is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
In a corresponding published in the journal Med Research, researchers from China introduced an innovative toolkit for immunology research they developed—IOBR. This toolkit investigates the interactions between tumors and the immune system while characterizing tumor cells and their microenvironment. One of the study's authors, Yiran Fang, remarked, "IOBR is an open-source tool designed for multi-omics analysis of the tumor microenvironment. By integrating transcriptomic, genomic, and single-cell transcriptomic data, it offers a multi-dimensional perspective on the tumor immune microenvironment, facilitating the discovery of precision medicine and new therapeutic targets."
IOBR includes six modules that encompass transcriptome data preprocessing, TME feature analysis, TME pattern recognition, ligand-receptor interaction analysis, assessment of genome-TME interactions, and visualization and modeling.
Dongqiang Zeng, the lead researcher, emphasized, "Looking ahead, we aim to be an indispensable tool in TME and immuno-oncology research by delving into additional omics. To support this vision, the tool will undergo continuous updates, incorporating enhancements such as TCR/BCR and spatial omics capabilities, which will greatly expand its potential applications in the field. With the progress in multi-omics technology and artificial intelligence, IOBR is set to become an essential resource for advancing our understanding of the dynamic interactions between tumor immunity and the tumor microenvironment."
