Optimized mitochondrial function as a nutritional strategy in cancer immunotherapy

Activated macrophages require effective mitochondrial function, but mitochondrial efficiency is jeopardized by the free radicals produced naturally in macrophage metabolism. This perspective rationalizes the well-documented immunostimulant effects of coenzyme Q and of antioxidant nutrients such as selenium, vitamin E, and manganese. More generally, the nutritional optimization of mitochondrial function is proposed as a "neo-Warburgian' approach to cancer immunotherapy.