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Related Concept Videos

Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

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Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
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The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
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Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

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Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
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Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
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Mitochondria01:37

Mitochondria

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Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
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Early diagnosis and treatment can often cure cancer. However, even with treatment, residual cells called cancer stem cells (CSC) might remain, often causing tumor recurrence. These cancer stem cells possess the potential for self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation and are often responsible for the therapeutic resistance displayed in most cancers.
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Updated: Jan 17, 2026

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Optimizing mitochondria function in immune cells: implications for cancer immunotherapy.

Huiyu Li1, Wenyi Jin2, Junhong Liu3

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Trends in Cancer
|September 17, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The tumor microenvironment impairs immune cells by disrupting mitochondrial function, leading to immunosuppression. Restoring mitochondrial health is key to enhancing antitumor immunity and adoptive cell therapies.

Keywords:
ROSchimeric antigen receptor (CAR)metabolismmitochondriatumor immunotherapy

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Metabolic pathways
  • Cancer biology

Background:

  • The tumor microenvironment (TME) creates metabolic challenges for immune cells.
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction is a significant factor in TME-mediated immunosuppression.
  • The role of mitochondrial metabolism in immune cell function within the TME is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review how TME stressors affect mitochondrial dynamics and function in immune cells.
  • To explore the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on T cell, NK cell, and macrophage antitumor activity.
  • To highlight the potential of restoring mitochondrial fitness for cancer immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing current research on TME, immune cell metabolism, and mitochondrial function.
  • Analysis of how hypoxia, nutrient competition, and metabolic byproducts influence immune cells.
  • Examination of mitochondrial dynamics, redox balance, and mtDNA signaling.

Main Results:

  • TME stressors like hypoxia and nutrient scarcity disrupt mitochondrial dynamics, redox balance, and mtDNA signaling in immune cells.
  • This disruption impairs the activation, differentiation, and antitumor efficacy of T cells, NK cells, and macrophages.
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction directly contributes to the immunosuppressive nature of the TME.

Conclusions:

  • Restoring mitochondrial fitness in immune cells is a critical strategy for overcoming TME-induced immunosuppression.
  • Targeting TME metabolites and enhancing mitochondrial quality control can improve immune cell function.
  • Optimizing mitochondrial health presents a promising therapeutic axis for adoptive cell therapies and TME reprogramming.