Functional proteomics identifies targetable cancer-associated fibroblast programs in head and neck cancer

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains clinically challenging, with limited molecularly targeted options and a strong dependence on the tumor microenvironment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are major stromal regulators that shape tumor progression, extracellular matrix remodeling, invasion, and therapeutic response. However, how CAF heterogeneity and plasticity translate into distinct tumor-promoting functions and targetable vulnerabilities remains insufficiently defined. Here, we integrated patient-matched primary CAFs and normal fibroblasts with 3D functional assays, tumor-stroma co-culture models, quantitative extracellular matrix analysis, whole-proteome profiling, and pharmacological perturbation. Primary fibroblast populations displayed marked interpatient heterogeneity and context-dependent plasticity in invasion, contractility, and responsiveness to tumor-derived signals, whereas enhanced fibronectin-rich matrix deposition and disorganization emerged as a conserved CAF-associated feature. Both normal fibroblasts and CAFs promoted HNSCC cell invasion in a population-dependent manner, whereas CAFs consistently induced less compact and more dispersed tumor nest architectures. Integrative functional analyses identified distinct CAF phenotypes characterized by either invasive and matrix-remodeling activity or high responsiveness to tumor-derived cues. Proteomic profiling revealed recurrent enrichment of adhesion, cytoskeletal, and extracellular matrix programs and guided the selection of pharmacological inhibitors aimed at modulating specific CAF-mediated pro-tumoral functions. Pharmacological targeting selectively altered these functions: CHI3L1 inhibition disrupted fibronectin matrix deposition, broad phosphodiesterase inhibition increased matrix alignment, and FZD7 inhibition consistently blocked tumor-induced CAF invasion across all tested populations. These findings define functionally distinct and pharmacologically targetable CAF programs in HNSCC and support stromal-directed interventions as a rational component of future combination treatment strategies.