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Neuro-tumor interactions: Multi-dimensional mechanisms of neurotransmitter regulation in tumor immune evasion and
Ze-Kai Li1, Jia-Lin Liao1, Min-Rui Luo1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
Abstract:
Neurotransmitter-mediated regulation plays a multi-dimensional role in the tumor microenvironment, profoundly influencing key processes such as tumor immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, and metastasis. However, the upstream regulatory mechanisms linking neural inputs to immune evasion and metabolic reprogramming remain incompletely understood. We systematically summarize current evidence from molecular, cellular, and immunological studies to elucidate how neurotransmitter-dependent mechanisms drive dynamic changes in the tumor microenvironment through the regulation of tumor cells and immune cells, and map the complex interaction networks between the nervous system and tumor progression. We propose a unifying "neuro-metabolic-immune axis" framework that highlights the dual role of neurotransmitters in suppressing anti-tumor immunity and facilitating tumor adaptation. By mapping this axis, we reveal new insights into tumor ecology and identify neural pathways as promising therapeutic targets. Targeting these pathways may enhance immunotherapy and disrupt tumor-supportive metabolism, offering new directions in precision oncology.
Insights
Neurotransmitters significantly impact the tumor microenvironment, affecting immune evasion and metabolism. Targeting neural pathways offers new precision oncology strategies by modulating the neuro-metabolic-immune axis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Neurotransmitter regulation influences the tumor microenvironment, impacting immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, and metastasis.
- Upstream mechanisms linking neural signals to tumor immune evasion and metabolic changes are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review evidence on how neurotransmitter-dependent mechanisms alter the tumor microenvironment.
- To map the interaction networks between the nervous system and tumor progression.
- To propose a "neuro-metabolic-immune axis" framework.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of molecular, cellular, and immunological studies.
- Analysis of neurotransmitter regulation in tumor and immune cells.
- Mapping of nervous system-tumor progression interactions.
Main Results:
- Neurotransmitters play a dual role: suppressing anti-tumor immunity and promoting tumor adaptation.
- Identified dynamic changes in the tumor microenvironment driven by neurotransmitter-dependent mechanisms.
- Established complex interaction networks between the nervous system and tumor progression.
Conclusions:
- The "neuro-metabolic-immune axis" framework provides insights into tumor ecology.
- Neural pathways are promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
- Targeting these pathways can enhance immunotherapy and disrupt tumor metabolism, advancing precision oncology.
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