CAF (Cancer-Associated Fibroblast)

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activated, fibroblast-like stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment that remodel the extracellular matrix, contribute to fibrosis, and modulate the behavior of nearby tumor and immune cells. They are commonly identified by markers such as α-SMA, FAP, vimentin, and DESMIN, and represent a major component of the tumor stroma across many solid cancers.

CAF populations are heterogeneous — different marker-defined subsets (e.g., DESMIN+, GPR77+/CD10+, LRRC15+, POSTN+ CAFs) have been linked to distinct functional roles, including cytokine secretion, chemoresistance, and immune suppression.