Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026

Studying the Effects of Tumor-Secreted Paracrine Ligands on Macrophage Activation using Co-Culture with Permeable Membrane Supports
Published on: November 28, 2019
The Diverse Roles of Lipid Metabolism Reprogramming in Shaping the Tumor Immune Microenvironment
Jiin Lee1,2, Jacinth Wing-Sum Cheu1,2,3, Carmen Chak-Lui Wong1,2,3,4,5
1Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Abstract:
Lipid metabolism reprogramming modulates the tumor microenvironment (TME) and alters the function of immune cells, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). Although lipids can enhance general T-cell activity, high lipid content in the TME may restrain the antitumor function of effector T cells and augment immunosuppression by regulatory T cells. In addition, lipid metabolism reprogramming greatly influences the cross-talk between TILs and other immune cells in the TME, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. By discussing potential therapeutic strategies to target lipid metabolism in TILs, along with combination approaches with chemo-immunotherapy, nanomedicine, and adoptive cell transfer therapy, we aim to lay the groundwork for advancing effective treatments for patients with cancer.
Related Concept Videos
The Tumor Microenvironment
Tumor Immunotherapy
Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...

