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Cholesterol Metabolism as a Potential Therapeutic Target and a Prognostic Biomarker for Cancer Immunotherapy

Huixian Zhang1,2,3, Wencheng Zhao1,2, Xingya Li3

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.

Oncotargets and Therapy
|June 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Cholesterol metabolism influences immune cell function and immunotherapy effectiveness. Targeting cholesterol metabolism may improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes and serve as a predictive biomarker.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like PD-1/PD-L1 blockers show promise in cancer treatment but have low response rates.
  • Discovering novel therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers is crucial for enhancing ICI efficacy.
  • Cholesterol metabolism is increasingly recognized for its role in tumor development and immune response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential role of cholesterol metabolism in cancer immunotherapy.
  • To review preclinical and clinical findings linking cholesterol metabolism to immunotherapy efficacy.
  • To identify cholesterol metabolism as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of the impact of cholesterol metabolism on tumor microenvironment and immune cells.
  • Investigation of drugs targeting cholesterol metabolism and their effect on immunotherapy.

Main Results:

  • Cholesterol metabolism significantly affects tumor-infiltrating immune cells and intracellular cholesterol homeostasis.
  • Drugs targeting cholesterol metabolism can modulate immunotherapy efficacy.
  • Peripheral blood cholesterol levels may serve as a biomarker for predicting immunotherapy response.

Conclusions:

  • Cholesterol metabolism plays a critical role in the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
  • Modulating cholesterol metabolism presents a promising strategy for improving ICI outcomes.
  • Cholesterol metabolism warrants further investigation as a therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker in immunotherapy.
Keywords:
biomarkercholesterol metabolismimmune cellimmunotherapytherapeutic target

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