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Updated: Nov 1, 2025

Measuring Mitochondrial Function of Naïve and Effector CD8 T Cells
Published on: March 28, 2025
Metabolic regulation in the immune response to cancer
Qi Wu1, Xin Yu1, Juanjuan Li1
1Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Metabolic reprogramming in tumor-immune interactions is emerging as a key factor affecting pro-inflammatory carcinogenic effects and anticancer immune responses. Therefore, dysregulated metabolites and their regulators affect both cancer progression and therapeutic response. Here, we describe the molecular mechanisms through which microenvironmental, systemic, and microbial metabolites potentially influence the host immune response to mediate malignant progression and therapeutic intervention. We summarized the primary interplaying factors that constitute metabolism, immunological reactions, and cancer with a focus on mechanistic aspects. Finally, we discussed the possibility of metabolic interventions at multiple levels to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapeutic and conventional approaches for future anticancer treatments.
Insights
Metabolic reprogramming significantly impacts cancer progression and immune response. Targeting metabolites offers a promising strategy to enhance cancer treatments and immunotherapy effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Metabolism
Background:
- Tumor-immune interactions involve metabolic reprogramming, influencing cancer development and immune evasion.
- Dysregulated metabolites and their regulators are critical in cancer progression and treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of how metabolites influence host immune responses in cancer.
- To explore the interplay between metabolism, immunity, and cancer progression.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of current literature on metabolic reprogramming in cancer.
- Focus on mechanistic insights into metabolite-mediated immune modulation.
Main Results:
- Identified microenvironmental, systemic, and microbial metabolites as key modulators of anti-cancer immunity.
- Detailed the complex interactions between metabolic pathways and immune cell functions in the tumor microenvironment.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic interventions present a viable strategy to augment conventional and immunotherapeutic cancer treatments.
- Targeting metabolic pathways can potentially overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes in oncology.
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