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Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Author Spotlight: Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines
Published on: March 17, 2023
Metabolic reprogramming in the tumour microenvironment: a hallmark shared by cancer cells and T lymphocytes
Katrina E Allison1, Brenda L Coomber2, Byram W Bridle1
1Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
Abstract:
Altered metabolism is a hallmark of cancers, including shifting oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis and up-regulating glutaminolysis to divert carbon sources into biosynthetic pathways that promote proliferation and survival. Therefore, metabolic inhibitors represent promising anti-cancer drugs. However, T cells must rapidly divide and survive in harsh microenvironments to mediate anti-cancer effects. Metabolic profiles of cancer cells and activated T lymphocytes are similar, raising the risk of metabolic inhibitors impairing the immune system. Immune checkpoint blockade provides an example of how metabolism can be differentially impacted to impair cancer cells but support T cells. Implications for research with metabolic inhibitors are discussed.
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