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Dewhirst MW. A translational review of hyperthermia biology. Int J Hyperthermia 2025; 42:2447952. [PMID: 39799944 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2024.2447952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2024] [Revised: 12/20/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2025] Open
Abstract
This review was written to be included in the Special Collection 'Therapy Ultrasound: Medicine's Swiss Army Knife?' The purpose of this review is to provide basic presentation and interpretation of the fundamentals of hyperthermia biology, as it pertains to uses of therapeutic ultrasound. The fundamentals are presented but in the setting of a translational interpretation and a view toward the future. Subjects that require future research and development are highlighted. The effects of hyperthermia are time and temperature dependent. Because intra-tumoral temperatures are non-uniform in tumors, one has to account for differential biologic effects in different parts of a tumor that occur simultaneously during and after hyperthermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Dewhirst
- Gustavo S. Montana Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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2
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Plata-Gómez AB, Ho PC. Age- and diet-instructed metabolic rewiring of the tumor-immune microenvironment. J Exp Med 2025; 222:e20241102. [PMID: 40214641 PMCID: PMC11987706 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20241102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2025] [Accepted: 03/28/2025] [Indexed: 04/14/2025] Open
Abstract
The tumor-immune microenvironment (TIME) plays a critical role in tumor development and metastasis, as it influences the evolution of tumor cells and fosters an immunosuppressive state by intervening the metabolic reprogramming of infiltrating immune cells. Aging and diet significantly impact the metabolic reprogramming of the TIME, contributing to cancer progression and immune evasion. With aging, immune cell function declines, leading to a proinflammatory state and metabolic alterations such as increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which compromise antitumor immunity. Similarly, dietary factors, particularly high-fat and high-sugar diets, promote metabolic shifts, creating a permissive TIME by fostering tumor-supportive immune cell phenotypes while impairing the tumoricidal activity of immune cells. In contrast, dietary restrictions have been shown to restore immune function by modulating metabolism and enhancing antitumor immune responses. Here, we discuss the intricate interplay between aging, diet, and metabolic reprogramming in shaping the TIME, with a particular focus on T cells, and highlight therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways to empower antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belén Plata-Gómez
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ping-Chih Ho
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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3
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Zhang J, Kong X, Zhou B, Li R, Yu Z, Zhu J, Xi Q, Li Y, Zhao Z, Zhang R. Metabolic reprogramming of drug resistance in pancreatic cancer: mechanisms and effects. Mol Aspects Med 2025; 103:101368. [PMID: 40398192 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2025.101368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2025] [Revised: 05/10/2025] [Accepted: 05/10/2025] [Indexed: 05/23/2025]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive gastrointestinal malignancy, often termed the "king of cancers" due to its notoriously high mortality rate. Its clinical characteristics, including late diagnosis, low surgical resectability, high recurrence rates, significant chemoresistance, and poor prognosis have collectively driven the persistent rise in incidence and mortality. Despite ongoing advancements in therapeutic strategies, the management of pancreatic cancer, particularly at advanced stages, remains challenging. Chemotherapy remains the mainstay of current treatment. However, the prevalent problem of chemotherapy resistance poses a significant obstacle to effective treatment. Metabolic reprogramming, characterized by alterations in glucose metabolism, lipid biosynthesis, and amino acid utilization, supports the high energy demands and rapid proliferation of cancer cells. Emerging evidence suggests that these metabolic changes, possibly mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, also contribute to tumorigenesis and metastasis. These findings highlight the critical role of metabolic alterations in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis. This review explores the relationship between metabolic reprogramming and chemotherapy resistance, discussing underlying mechanisms and summarizing preclinical studies and drug development targeting metabolism. The aim is to provide a comprehensive perspective on potential therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyi Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou,The Second Clinical Medical School of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueqing Kong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou,The Second Clinical Medical School of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Boyan Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou,The Second Clinical Medical School of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou,The Second Clinical Medical School of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoan Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou,The Second Clinical Medical School of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinrong Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou,The Second Clinical Medical School of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Xi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou,The Second Clinical Medical School of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou,The Second Clinical Medical School of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zichao Zhao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shaodong People's Hospital, Shaodong City, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Rongxin Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou,The Second Clinical Medical School of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China.
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4
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Lešnik S, Konc J, Vodopivec T, Čamernik K, Karolina Potokar U, Legiša M. Small-molecule inhibitors of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase simultaneously suppress lactate and superoxide generation in cancer cells. PLoS One 2025; 20:e0321998. [PMID: 40397908 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0321998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2025] [Indexed: 05/23/2025] Open
Abstract
Deregulated energy metabolism is a hallmark of cancer, characterized by increased glycolytic flux. Cancer-specific modification of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK) impairs its ability to regulate the enzyme's activity which increases glycolytic flux. Consequently, excessive cytosolic NADH formation triggers a harmful redox imbalance in cancer cells, which is rapidly neutralized by the formation of lactic acid and superoxide (SOX). To learn more about deregulated glycolysis in cancer cells, a supercomputer used the atomic model of the crystal structure of human PFK1 for virtual screening a database of 4.5 million compounds by docking with the catalytic binding sites of the enzyme. The screening revealed two compounds capable of reducing modified, cancer-specific PFK1 activity and simultaneously suppressing lactate and SOX formation. A dose-dependent inhibition was observed in the cells treated by compounds in the following tumorigenic cells: Jurkat (Acute T cells leukemia); Caco-2 (colorectal adenocarcinoma); COLO 829 (melanoma); and MDA-MB-231 (breast gland adenocarcinoma). In addition, two selected compounds assessed for cytostatic and cytotoxic activity showed no negative effects on tumorigenic cells. However, during incubation, the strengths of inhibitions continuously decreased, both during lactate and SOX formation. No such effects were observed if compounds were sequentially submitted to the cells at low concentrations every 24 hours. Additional experiments performed by Jurkat cells revealed reduced respiration and glycolysis rates in the cells treated with compounds concerning the untreated cells. Inhibition of modified cancer-specific PFK1 activity reduces deregulated glycolytic flux, prevents abundant cytosolic NADH formation, and restores redox balance thus simultaneously preventing the formation of deleterious effects of lactate and SOX, two crucial players in cancer initiation and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samo Lešnik
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenija
| | - Janez Konc
- Department of Molecular Modeling, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Vodopivec
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Čamernik
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Matic Legiša
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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5
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Rahal Z, El Darzi R, Moghaddam SJ, Cascone T, Kadara H. Tumour and microenvironment crosstalk in NSCLC progression and response to therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2025:10.1038/s41571-025-01021-1. [PMID: 40379986 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-025-01021-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2025] [Indexed: 05/19/2025]
Abstract
The treatment landscape of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is evolving rapidly, driven by advances in the development of targeted agents and immunotherapies. Despite this progress, some patients have suboptimal responses to treatment, highlighting the need for new therapeutic strategies. In the past decade, the important role of the tumour microenvironment (TME) in NSCLC progression, metastatic dissemination and response to treatment has become increasingly evident. Understanding the complexity of the TME and its interactions with NSCLC can propel efforts to improve current treatment modalities, overcome resistance and develop new treatments, which will ultimately improve the outcomes of patients. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive view of the NSCLC TME, examining its components and highlighting distinct archetypes characterized by spatial niches within and surrounding tumour nests, which form complex neighbourhoods. Next, we explore the interactions within these components, focusing on how inflammation and immunosuppression shape the dynamics of the NSCLC TME. We also address the emerging influences of patient-related factors, such as ageing, sex and health disparities, on the NSCLC-TME crosstalk. Finally, we discuss how various therapeutic strategies interact with and are influenced by the TME in NSCLC. Overall, we emphasize the interconnectedness of these elements and how they influence therapeutic outcomes and tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa Rahal
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Roy El Darzi
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Seyed Javad Moghaddam
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), UTHealth Houston, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tina Cascone
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), UTHealth Houston, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Thoracic-Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Humam Kadara
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), UTHealth Houston, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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6
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MacDonald E, Johannes L, Wunder C. Acidification on the plasma membrane. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2025; 95:102531. [PMID: 40378645 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2025.102531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2025] [Revised: 04/17/2025] [Accepted: 04/21/2025] [Indexed: 05/19/2025]
Abstract
The pH balance between extracellular and intracellular space is crucial for a multitude of cellular processes. Real-time observation of pH fluctuations in the range 4-9 in live cells and tissues in a sensitive, non-invasive manner has become feasible with advances in pH quantification by organic dyes, genetically encoded fluorescent proteins, and DNA-based probes. We discuss mechanisms through which pH affects cell cycle, transcription, senescence, neurotransmission, glycolipid-lectin driven endocytosis, tissue remodelling, immune responses, and GPCR signalling. Growth factor-stimulated acidification of the extracellular space notably triggers enzymatic reactions like desialylation at the plasma membrane that control processes involving cell migration and bone resorption. Research into the role of pH in cellular physiology continues to be a fertile ground for discovery that underscores its fundamental importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewan MacDonald
- Montpellier Cell Biology Research Center, CRBM, Université 40 Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
| | - Ludger Johannes
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, U1339 INSERM, UMR3666 CNRS, Chemical Biology of Cancer Unit, Paris, France; Inria Center at University of Rennes, SAIRPICO Team, U1339 INSERM, Institut Curie, Chemical Biology of Cancer Unit, Paris, France.
| | - Christian Wunder
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, U1339 INSERM, UMR3666 CNRS, Chemical Biology of Cancer Unit, Paris, France; Inria Center at University of Rennes, SAIRPICO Team, U1339 INSERM, Institut Curie, Chemical Biology of Cancer Unit, Paris, France.
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7
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Quartey BC, Sapudom J, Tipay PS, Hunashal Y, Alshehhi S, Arnoux M, Cardoso T, Quilez J, Piano F, Teo JC. Hydrogel-Based Tumor Tissue Microarchitecture Reshapes Dendritic Cell Metabolic Profile and Functions. Adv Healthc Mater 2025; 14:e2500681. [PMID: 40134371 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202500681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2025] [Indexed: 03/27/2025]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal role in immunomodulation, providing structural and biochemical cues that shape immune cell function. In pathological conditions like cancer and chronic inflammation, dysregulated remodeling often results in altered ECM composition and architecture, with fibrillar alignment being a hallmark linked to disease progression. Here, how ECM alignment influences dendritic cell (DC) behavior using 3D biomimetic collagen matrices with controlled fibril anisotropy is investigated. This results show that immature DCs in aligned matrices exhibited increased expression of CD86 and HLA-DR with elevated secretion of CXCL8 and CCL2 chemokines, which may enhance immune cell recruitment. However, transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis revealed significant downregulation of oxidative phosphorylation and an insufficient compensatory shift toward glycolysis, resulting in reduced ATP production. This metabolic constraint correlated with impaired/reduced DC migratory speed and distance. In contrast, mature DCs displayed minimal sensitivity to ECM alignment, maintaining uniform differentiation and functional profiles across matrix conditions. T-cell coculture experiments revealed that ECM alignment dampens T-cell activation and proliferation, likely through direct modulation of T-cell behavior. These findings highlight the stage-specific effects of ECM alignment on DC function, highlighting its role in DC immunomodulation, with implications for therapeutic development in cancer and other pathological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Chesney Quartey
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 129188, UAE
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Jiranuwat Sapudom
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 129188, UAE
| | | | - Yamanappa Hunashal
- Biology Program, Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 129188, UAE
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 129188, UAE
| | - Shaikha Alshehhi
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 129188, UAE
| | - Marc Arnoux
- Core Technology Platforms, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 129188, UAE
| | | | | | - Fabio Piano
- Biology Program, Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 129188, UAE
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 129188, UAE
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Jeremy Cm Teo
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 129188, UAE
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, NY, 11201, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, NY, 11201, USA
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8
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Zhong H, Zhou S, Yin S, Qiu Y, Liu B, Yu H. Tumor microenvironment as niche constructed by cancer stem cells: Breaking the ecosystem to combat cancer. J Adv Res 2025; 71:279-296. [PMID: 38866179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a distinct subpopulation of cancer cells with the capacity to constantly self-renew and differentiate, and they are the main driver in the progression of cancer resistance and relapse. The tumor microenvironment (TME) constructed by CSCs is the "soil" adapted to tumor growth, helping CSCs evade immune killing, enhance their chemical resistance, and promote cancer progression. AIM OF REVIEW We aim to elaborate the tight connection between CSCs and immunosuppressive components of the TME. We attempt to summarize and provide a therapeutic strategy to eradicate CSCs based on the destruction of the tumor ecological niche. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This review is focused on three main key concepts. First, we highlight that CSCs recruit and transform normal cells to construct the TME, which further provides ecological niche support for CSCs. Second, we describe the main characteristics of the immunosuppressive components of the TME, targeting strategies and summarize the progress of corresponding drugs in clinical trials. Third, we explore the multilevel insights of the TME to serve as an ecological niche for CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shiyue Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuangshuang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuling Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.
| | - Haiyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
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9
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Zhang W, Yuan S, Zhang Z, Fu S, Liu S, Liu J, Ma Q, Xia Z, Gu P, Gao S, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Liu Y, Zhang N. Regulating tumor cells to awaken T cell antitumor function and enhance melanoma immunotherapy. Biomaterials 2025; 316:123034. [PMID: 39709849 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.123034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2024] [Revised: 11/26/2024] [Accepted: 12/18/2024] [Indexed: 12/24/2024]
Abstract
Tumor cells transmit various immunosuppressive signals and induce a dysfunctional state in T cells, which essentially leads to immune escape and tumor progression. However, developing effective strategies to counteract the domestication of T cells by tumor cells remains a challenge. Here, we prepared pH-responsive lipid nanoparticles (NL/PLDs) co-loaded with PCSK9 shRNA, lonidamine (LND), and low-dose doxorubicin (DOX). NL/PLDs can awaken domesticated T cells function by sending pro-activation, pro-recognition, and pro-killing signals by increasing tumor immunogenicity, increasing the expression of major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-I) on tumor cells, and alleviating the suppression effect of tumor-secreted lactic acid (LA) on the T cell effector function, respectively. In melanoma-bearing mice, NL/PLDs effectively relieved tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME) and enhanced the antitumor immunity mediated by CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, when combined with aPD-1, NL/PLDs demonstrated strong antitumor effects and increased immunotherapeutic efficacy. This regulatory strategy provides new insights for enhancing immunotherapy by regulating tumor immunosuppressive signals and shows significant potential for clinical tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihan Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Shijun Yuan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Zipeng Zhang
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250062, China
| | - Shunli Fu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Shujun Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Jinhu Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Qingping Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Zhenxing Xia
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Panpan Gu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Shuying Gao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Zhiyue Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xinke Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Carbohydrate-Based Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Yongjun Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
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10
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Yang P, Yin J, Zhang G, Li X, Chen T, Zhao W, Tang J, Lv L, Lv X. Comprehensive pan-cancer analysis identified SLC16A3 as a potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarker. Cancer Cell Int 2025; 25:168. [PMID: 40301866 PMCID: PMC12039109 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-025-03791-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2025] [Indexed: 05/01/2025] Open
Abstract
SLC16A3, belonging to the SLC16 gene family, is involved in the transportation of monocarboxylate. SLC16A family members play important roles in tumorigenesis, nonetheless, the specific involvement of SLC16A3 in tumor prognosis and diagnosis in human cancers remains unelucidated. This study dealt with the exploration of SLC16A3 expression in human pan-cancer and its significance regarding disease prognosis. For this investigation, the mRNA expression data of SLC16A3 were acquired from the TCGA and the GTEx datasets. The Kaplan-Meier plots, univariate Cox regression, and the ROC curve were employed for assessing the prognostic and diagnostic significance of SLC16A3 in pan-cancer. Furthermore, the cBioPortal database was used to analyze the SLC16A3 genomic alterations. Moreover, the association of the infiltration of immune cells and immune checkpoint genes with SLC16A3 was analyzed by the TIMER database. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analysis were employed to explore the function of SLC16A3 in pan-cancer. The resulting data demonstrated that SLC16A3 mRNA expression was overexpressed in most cancers and its protein expression was also high across diverse cancer types. Moreover, upregulated SLC16A3 expression was linked to poor OS and PFI of certain cancers. Cox regression analysis further indicated that SLC16A3 is a risk factor for patients with PAAD, CESC, LUSC, LUAD, CHOL, LGG, MESO, and OSCC. The ROC curve revealed that SLC16A3 exhibited a high accuracy (AUC > 0.9) in BRCA, CHOL, ESCA, GBM, and KIRC prediction. Moreover, the acquired data indicated that in pan-cancer, the SLC16A3 expression exhibited correlations with immune checkpoint genes and immune cells. These findings collectively suggest that SLC16A3 holds promise as a biomarker for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in pan-cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jiayu Yin
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Gongyin Zhang
- Department of Breast and Hernia Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Public Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Tongtong Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Wanying Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jinhai Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Li Lv
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| | - Xiupeng Lv
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
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11
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Zheng J, Yi Y, Tian T, Luo S, Liang X, Bai Y. ICI-induced cardiovascular toxicity: mechanisms and immune reprogramming therapeutic strategies. Front Immunol 2025; 16:1550400. [PMID: 40356915 PMCID: PMC12066601 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1550400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2025] [Indexed: 05/15/2025] Open
Abstract
The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized cancer treatment, offering life-saving benefits to tumor patients. However, the utilize of ICI agents is often accompanied by immune-related adverse events (irAEs), among which cardiovascular toxicities have attracted more and more attention. ICI induced cardiovascular toxicities predominantly present as acute myocarditis and chronic atherosclerosis, both of which are driven by excessive immune activation. Reprogramming of T cells and macrophages has been demonstrated as a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of these complications. Therapeutic strategies targeting glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and some other key signaling have shown promise in mitigating immune hyperactivation and inflammation. In this review, we explored the intricate mechanisms underlying ICI-induced cardiovascular toxicities and highlighted the protective potential of immune reprogramming. We emphasize the roles of T cell and macrophage reprogramming in the heart and vasculature, showcasing their contributions to both short-term and long-term regulation of cardiovascular health. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of these processes will not only enhance the safety of ICIs but also pave the way for innovative strategies to manage immune-related toxicities in cancers therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yu Bai
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, West China School of Medicine, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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12
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Qiao Y, Liu Y, Ran R, Zhou Y, Gong J, Liu L, Zhang Y, Wang H, Fan Y, Fan Y, Nan G, Zhang P, Yang J. Lactate metabolism and lactylation in breast cancer: mechanisms and implications. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2025; 44:48. [PMID: 40295451 PMCID: PMC12037681 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-025-10264-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2025] [Indexed: 04/30/2025]
Abstract
As the end-product of glycolysis, lactate serves as a regulator of protein lactylation in addition to being an energy substrate, metabolite, and signaling molecule in cancer. The reprogramming of glucose metabolism and the Warburg effect in breast cancer results in extensive lactate production and accumulation, making it likely that lactylation in tumor tissue is also abnormal. This review summarizes evidence on lactylation derived from studies of lactate metabolism and disease, highlighting the role of lactate in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer and detailing the levels of lactylation and cancer-promoting mechanisms across various tumors. The roles of lactate and lactylation, along with potential intervention mechanisms, are presented and discussed, offering valuable insights for future research on the role of lactylation in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Qiao
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yijia Liu
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ran Ran
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jin Gong
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yusi Zhang
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuan Fan
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yihan Fan
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Gengrui Nan
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, 1519 Dongyue Dadao, Nanchang, 330209, China.
- Jiangxi Provincial Center for Advanced Diagnostic Technology and Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, 1519 Dongyue Dadao, Nanchang, 330209, China.
| | - Jin Yang
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
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13
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Nam H, Park H, Son MK, Kang I, Choi Y, Lee S, Kim S, Kim S, Kim H, Chang JB, Lee YK, Kim YC. Metal-phenolic networks reverse the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment via dual metabolism regulation and immunogenic cell death. J Control Release 2025; 383:113775. [PMID: 40294797 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2025.113775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2025] [Revised: 04/08/2025] [Accepted: 04/23/2025] [Indexed: 04/30/2025]
Abstract
Targeting cancer cell metabolism has emerged as a promising strategy to reverse the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Aerobic glycolysis, the dominant metabolic pathway in cancer cells, leads to glucose depletion and the accumulation of immunosuppressive metabolites such as lactate, ultimately limiting the efficacy of conventional immunotherapies. In this study, metal phenolic-networks (MPNs) are developed by coating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to modulate cancer metabolism for TME reprogramming and immune activation. Under acidic conditions, MPNs release Zn2+ ions and EGCG, inhibiting both glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolism, effectively regulating the metabolic ability of cancer cells. Furthermore, severe starvation stress induced by dual metabolic inhibition triggers immunogenic cell death (ICD) without the need for conventional ICD inducers. Consequently, MPN treatment reverses the immunosuppressive TME through dual metabolic regulation and ICD, which induces dendritic cell maturation, cytotoxic T cell activation, and regulatory T cell suppression. These findings highlight the potential of combining metabolic therapy with immunotherapy as a novel strategy to enhance antitumor immunity and overcome the limitations of current cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoyeon Nam
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Heewon Park
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Kwon Son
- 4D Convergence Technology Institute (National Key Technology Institute in University), Korea National University of Transportation, Jeungpyeong, 27909, Republic of Korea
| | - In Kang
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuri Choi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Susam Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sejin Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungcheol Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunwoo Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Byum Chang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Kyu Lee
- 4D Convergence Technology Institute (National Key Technology Institute in University), Korea National University of Transportation, Jeungpyeong, 27909, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju 27469, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yeu-Chun Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Imani S, Farghadani R, Roozitalab G, Maghsoudloo M, Emadi M, Moradi A, Abedi B, Jabbarzadeh Kaboli P. Reprogramming the breast tumor immune microenvironment: cold-to-hot transition for enhanced immunotherapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2025; 44:131. [PMID: 40281554 PMCID: PMC12032666 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-025-03394-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2025] [Accepted: 04/14/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025] Open
Abstract
This review discusses reprogramming the breast tumor immune microenvironment from an immunosuppressive cold state to an immunologically active hot state. A complex interplay is revealed, in which the accumulation of metabolic byproducts-such as lactate, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ammonia-is shown to impair T-cell function and promote tumor immune escape. It is demonstrated that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is dominated by immunosuppressive cytokines, including interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factorβ (TGFβ), and IL-35. Notably, IL-35 is produced by regulatory T cells and breast cancer cells. The conversion of conventional T cells into IL-35-producing induced regulatory T cells, along with the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, contributes to the suppression of anti-tumor immunity. It is further demonstrated that key immune checkpoint molecules-such as PD-1, PDL1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, LAG-3, and TIGIT-are upregulated within the TME, leading to Tcell exhaustion and diminished immune responses. The blockade of these checkpoints is shown to restore T-cell functionality and is proposed as a strategy to convert cold tumors into hot ones with robust effector cell infiltration. The therapeutic potential of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)T cell therapy is also explored, and targeting specific tumor-associated antigens, such as glycoproteins and receptor tyrosine kinases, is highlighted. It is suggested that CART cell efficacy can be enhanced by combining these cells with immune checkpoint inhibitors and other immunomodulatory agents, thereby overcoming the barriers imposed by the immunosuppressive TME. Moreover, the role of the microbiome in regulating estrogen metabolism and systemic inflammation is reviewed. Alterations in the gut microbiota are shown to affect the TME, and microbiome-based interventions are proposed as an additional means to facilitate the cold-to-hot transition. It is concluded that by targeting the metabolic and immunological pathways that underpin immune suppression-through combination strategies involving checkpoint blockade, CART cell therapies, and microbiome modulation-the conversion of the breast TME from cold to hot can be achieved. This reprogramming is anticipated to enhance immune cell infiltration and function, thereby improving the overall efficacy of immunotherapies and leading to better clinical outcomes for breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Imani
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Reyhaneh Farghadani
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Ghazaal Roozitalab
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mazaher Maghsoudloo
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Mahdieh Emadi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefeh Moradi
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Behnaz Abedi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parham Jabbarzadeh Kaboli
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-091, Poland.
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15
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Ryu H, Lee S, Song SH, Lee H, Oh JJ, Hong SK, Byun SS, Song B. Acidic urine as a prognostic factor after intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin induction therapy for nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer. World J Urol 2025; 43:247. [PMID: 40278931 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-025-05648-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2025] [Accepted: 04/19/2025] [Indexed: 04/26/2025] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of acidic urine (pH ≤ 5.5) on disease recurrence or progression in patients with nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) followed by intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) induction therapy. METHODS A total of 578 patients with intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC who underwent intravesical BCG induction after initial TURBT between May 2003 and April 2021 were included. Patients were subdivided into low (pH ≤ 5.5) and high (pH > 5.5) urine pH groups. RESULTS Patients with acidic urine showed higher fasting plasma glucose levels (p = 0.017), higher serum uric acid level (p = 0.011), lower estimated glomerular filtration rates (p = 0.022), and higher rates of abnormal urinary cytology (p = 0.021), but no significant differences were observed in context of adverse clinicopathological features. During a median follow-up period of 56 months, the acidic urine group had a lower recurrence-free survival rate than the high urine pH group (p = 0.009). In terms of disease progression, there was no difference according to urine pH status. CONCLUSION Acidic urine was associated with disease recurrence after intravesical BCG induction for NMIBC, despite no differences in adverse clinicopathological features according to urine acidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoyoung Ryu
- Department of Urology, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sangchul Lee
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hun Song
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hakmin Lee
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Jin Oh
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Kyu Hong
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Soo Byun
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeongdo Song
- Department of Urology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Urology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, 153, Gyeongchun-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do, 11923, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Tognetti M, Chatterjee L, Beaton N, Sklodowski K, Bruderer R, Reiter L, Messner CB. Serum proteomics reveals survival-associated biomarkers in pancreatic cancer patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy. iScience 2025; 28:112230. [PMID: 40235590 PMCID: PMC11999289 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.112230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 09/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2025] [Indexed: 04/17/2025] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has transformed the landscape of cancer treatment but remains largely ineffective for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Some patients, however, show improved outcomes when treated with a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Here, we conducted deep serum proteome analysis to investigate the protein profiles of PDAC patients and changes during this combinatorial treatment. Utilizing an advanced serum workflow, we quantified 1,011 proteins across 211 samples from 62 patients. Glycolytic enzymes were associated with survival in anti-PD-1-treated patients, with their abundances significantly correlating with expression levels in tumor biopsies. Notably, a set of protein biomarkers was found to be highly predictive of survival in anti-PD-1-treated patients (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.91). Overall, our data demonstrate the potential of deep serum proteomics for precision medicine, offering a powerful tool to guide patient selection for treatment through minimally invasive serum protein biomarker measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lopamudra Chatterjee
- Precision Proteomics Center, Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, 7265 Davos, Switzerland
- The LOOP Zurich, 8044 Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Christoph B. Messner
- Precision Proteomics Center, Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, 7265 Davos, Switzerland
- The LOOP Zurich, 8044 Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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17
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Arnhold J. Oxidant-Based Cytotoxic Agents During Aging: From Disturbed Energy Metabolism to Chronic Inflammation and Disease Progression. Biomolecules 2025; 15:547. [PMID: 40305309 PMCID: PMC12025200 DOI: 10.3390/biom15040547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2025] [Revised: 04/02/2025] [Accepted: 04/05/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025] Open
Abstract
In humans, aging is an inevitable consequence of diminished growth processes after reaching maturity. The high order of biomolecules in cells and tissues is continuously disturbed by numerous physical and chemical destructive impacts. Host-derived oxidant-based cytotoxic agents (reactive species, transition free metal ions, and free heme) contribute considerably to this damage. These agents are under the control of immediately acting antagonizing principles, which are important to ensure cell and tissue homeostasis. In this review, I apply the concept of host-derived cytotoxic agents and their interplay with antagonizing principles to the aging process. During aging, energy metabolism and the supply of tissues with dioxygen and nutrients are increasingly disturbed. In addition, a chronic inflammatory state develops, a condition known as inflammaging. The balance between oxidant-based cytotoxic agents and protective mechanisms is analyzed depending on age-based physiological alterations in ATP production. Disturbances in this balance are associated with the development of age-related diseases and comorbidities. An enhanced production of reactive species from dysfunctional mitochondria, alterations in cellular redox homeostasis, and adaptations to hypoxia are highlighted. Examples of how disturbances between oxidant-based cytotoxic agents and antagonizing principles contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases in persons of advanced age are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Arnhold
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
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18
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Qiu Q, Deng H, Song P, Liu Y, Zhang M. Lactylation in Glioblastoma: A Novel Epigenetic Modifier Bridging Epigenetic Plasticity and Metabolic Reprogramming. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:3368. [PMID: 40244246 PMCID: PMC11989911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26073368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2025] [Revised: 03/28/2025] [Accepted: 04/01/2025] [Indexed: 04/18/2025] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor, is characterized by a high rate of recurrence, disability, and lethality. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop more effective prognostic biomarkers and treatment approaches for glioblastoma. Lactylation, an emerging form of protein post-translational modification, has been closely associated with lactate, a metabolite of glycolysis. Since the initial identification of lactylation sites in core histones in 2019, accumulating evidence has shown the critical role that lactylation plays in glioblastoma development, assessment of poor clinical prognosis, and immunosuppression, which provides a fresh angle for investigating the connection between metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic plasticity in glioblastoma cells. The objective of this paper is to present an overview of the metabolic and epigenetic roles of lactylation in the expanding field of glioblastoma research and explore the practical value of developing novel treatment plans combining targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mengxian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.Q.); (H.D.); (P.S.); (Y.L.)
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19
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Kunitskaya A, Piret JM. Impacts of transient exposure of human T cells to low oxygen, temperature, pH and nutrient levels relevant to bioprocessing for cell therapy applications. Cytotherapy 2025; 27:522-533. [PMID: 39891634 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2025.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2024] [Revised: 01/02/2025] [Accepted: 01/04/2025] [Indexed: 02/03/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-cell therapy advances have stimulated the development of bioprocesses to address the specialized needs of cell therapy manufacturing. During concentrated cell washing, the cells are frequently exposed to transiently reduced oxygen, temperature, pH, and nutrient levels. Longer durations of these conditions can be caused by process deviations or, if they are not harmful, be used to ease the scheduling of process stages during experiments as well as manufacturing. METHODS To avoid unpredictable impacts on T-cell quality during bioprocessing, we measured the influences of such environmental exposures generated by settling 250 million activated human T cells per mL, for up to 6 h at temperatures from 4 to 37°C. RESULTS The measured glucose concentration decreased to as low as 0.5 mM and the pH to 6, while lactate increased up to 55 mM. The concentrated cell conditions at 37°C resulted in by far the greatest losses in viable cell numbers with, on average, only 58% and 41% of the cells recovered after 3 and 6 h, respectively. Likewise, their subsequent cell expansion cultures were substantially reduced even after only 3 h of exposure, and with decreased percentages of central memory T cells and increased percentages of effector memory and effector T cells. Although under similar environmental conditions at room temperatures, the negative impacts of high cell concentrations were greatly diminished for up to 3 h. At 4°C the transient conditions were less extreme, and the cells well maintained for 6 h. CONCLUSIONS Overall, when developing processes and devices for T-cell therapy manufacturing that involve concentrated cells, the results of this study indicate that more practically feasible room temperatures can be used for up to 3 h to obtain high viable cell recoveries whereas lower temperatures such as 4°C should be used if there is a need for more prolonged concentrated T-cell conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Kunitskaya
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; The School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James M Piret
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; The School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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20
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Gao F, Shah R, Xin G, Wang R. Metabolic Dialogue Shapes Immune Response in the Tumor Microenvironment. Eur J Immunol 2025; 55:e202451102. [PMID: 40223597 PMCID: PMC11995254 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202451102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2025] [Accepted: 03/24/2025] [Indexed: 04/15/2025]
Abstract
The fate of immune cells is fundamentally linked to their metabolic program, which is also influenced by the metabolic landscape of their environment. The tumor microenvironment represents a unique system for intercellular metabolic interactions, where tumor-derived metabolites suppress effector CD8+ T cells and promote tumor-promoting macrophages, reinforcing an immune-suppressive niche. This review will discuss recent advancements in metabolism research, exploring the interplay between various metabolites and their effects on immune cells within the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxia Gao
- Department of Microbial Infection and ImmunityPelotonia Institute for Immuno‐OncologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Rushil Shah
- Center for Childhood Cancer ResearchHematology/Oncology & BMTAbigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's HospitalDepartment of PediatricsThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Gang Xin
- Department of Microbial Infection and ImmunityPelotonia Institute for Immuno‐OncologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Ruoning Wang
- Center for Childhood Cancer ResearchHematology/Oncology & BMTAbigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's HospitalDepartment of PediatricsThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
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21
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Hu MM, Zhao Y, Zhang N, Gong FY, Zhang W, Dong CS, Dai JF, Wang J. Tumor Microenvironment: Obstacles and Opportunities for T Cell-Based Tumor Immunotherapies. Mol Cancer Res 2025; 23:277-287. [PMID: 39898773 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-24-0747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2024] [Revised: 11/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2025] [Indexed: 02/04/2025]
Abstract
The complex composition and dynamic change of the tumor microenvironment (TME), mainly consisting of tumor cells, immune cells, stromal cells, and extracellular components, significantly impede the effector function of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), thus representing a major obstacle for tumor immunotherapies. In this review, we summarize and discuss the impacts and underlying mechanisms of major elements in the TME (different cell types, extracellular matrix, nutrients and metabolites, etc.) on the infiltration, survival, and effector functions of T cells, mainly CD8+ CTLs. Moreover, we also highlight recent advances that may potentiate endogenous antitumor immunity and improve the efficacy of T cell-based immunotherapies in patients with cancer by manipulating components inside/outside of the TME. A deeper understanding of the effects and action mechanisms of TME components on the tumor-eradicating ability of CTLs may pave the way for discovering new targets to augment endogenous antitumor immunity and for designing combinational therapeutic regimens to enhance the efficacy of tumor immunotherapies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Miao Hu
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fang-Yuan Gong
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chun-Sheng Dong
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jian-Feng Dai
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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22
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Gore M, Kabekkodu SP, Chakrabarty S. Exploring the metabolic alterations in cervical cancer induced by HPV oncoproteins: From mechanisms to therapeutic targets. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2025; 1880:189292. [PMID: 40037419 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2025] [Accepted: 02/25/2025] [Indexed: 03/06/2025]
Abstract
The role of human Papillomavirus (HPV) in metabolic reprogramming is implicated in the development and progression of cervical cancer. During carcinogenesis, cancer cells modify various metabolic pathways to generate energy and sustain their growth and development. Cervical cancer, one of the most prevalent malignancies affecting women globally, involves metabolic alterations such as increased glycolysis, elevated lactate production, and lipid accumulation. The oncoproteins, primarily E6 and E7, which are encoded by high-risk HPVs, facilitate the accumulation of several cancer markers, promoting not only the growth and development of cancer but also metastasis, immune evasion, and therapy resistance. HPV oncoproteins interact with cellular MYC (c-MYC), retinoblastoma protein (pRB), p53, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), leading to the induction of metabolic reprogramming and favour the Warburg effect. Metabolic reprogramming enables HPV to persist for an extended period and accelerates the progression of cervical cancer. This review summarizes the role of HPV oncoproteins in metabolic reprogramming and their contributions to the development and progression of cervical cancer. Additionally, this review provides insights into how metabolic reprogramming opens avenues for novel therapeutic strategies, including the discovery of new and repurposed drugs that could be applied to treat cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrudula Gore
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
| | - Sanjiban Chakrabarty
- Department of Public Health Genomics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
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23
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Jalil AT, Al-Kazzaz HH, Hassan FA, Mohammed SH, Merza MS, Aslandook T, Elewadi A, Fadhil A, Alsalamy A. Metabolic Reprogramming of Anti-cancer T Cells: Targeting AMPK and PPAR to Optimize Cancer Immunotherapy. Indian J Clin Biochem 2025; 40:165-175. [PMID: 40123631 PMCID: PMC11928344 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-023-01166-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2025]
Abstract
Cancer treatment era has been revolutionized by the novel therapeutic methods such as immunotherapy in recent years. Immunotherapy-based approaches are considered effective and reliable methods that has brought hope to eradicate certain cancers. Nonetheless, there are some issues, considered as critical obstacles in successful cancer immunotherapy. Such issues are attributed to the ability of the tumor cells in providing a tolerant microenvironment that impairs the immune responses, and help the cancer cells evade the immunogenic cell death. It has been suggested that the re-activation and maintenance of effector immune cells may become possible by metabolic reprogramming. Several signaling pathways have been noticed with the possibility of metabolic reprogramming of tumor-specific T cells, to overcome the metabolic restrictions in the tumor microenvironment; and among them, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) have been investigated the most as the main energy sensors and regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis. The synergic effects of AMPK activators and/or PPAR agonists in cancer immunotherapy have been reported. In this review, we compare the roles of AMPK activators and PPAR agonists, and the efficacy of their combination in metabolic reprogramming of cytotoxic T cells in favoring cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hassan Hadi Al-Kazzaz
- College of Medical and Health Technology, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
| | - Firas A. Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | | | - Muna S. Merza
- Department of Prosthetic Dental Techniques, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Hillah, Iraq
| | - Tahani Aslandook
- Department of Dentistry, Al-Turath University College, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Elewadi
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Ali Fadhil
- College of Medical Techniques, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali Alsalamy
- College of Technical Engineering, Imam Ja’afar Al-Sadiq University, Al-Muthanna, 66002 Iraq
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24
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Wang Y, Zhou H, Ju S, Dong X, Zheng C. The solid tumor microenvironment and related targeting strategies: a concise review. Front Immunol 2025; 16:1563858. [PMID: 40207238 PMCID: PMC11979131 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1563858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2025] [Accepted: 03/12/2025] [Indexed: 04/11/2025] Open
Abstract
The malignant tumor is a serious disease threatening human life. Increasing studies have confirmed that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is composed of a variety of complex components that precisely regulate the interaction of tumor cells with other components, allowing tumor cells to continue to proliferate, resist apoptosis, evade immune surveillance and clearance, and metastasis. However, the characteristics of each component and their interrelationships remain to be deeply understood. To target TME, it is necessary to deeply understand the role of various components of TME in tumor growth and search for potential therapeutic targets. Herein, we innovatively classify the TME into physical microenvironment (such as oxygen, pH, etc.), mechanical microenvironment (such as extracellular matrix, blood vessels, etc.), metabolic microenvironment (such as glucose, lipids, etc.), inflammatory microenvironment and immune microenvironment. We introduce a concise but comprehensive classification of the TME; depict the characteristics of each component in TME; summarize the existing methods for detecting each component in TME; highlight the current strategies and potential therapeutic targets for TME; discuss current challenges in presenting TME and its clinical applications; and provide our prospect on the future research direction and clinical benefits of TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingliang Wang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Precision Radiology & Interventional Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Huimin Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuguang Ju
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Precision Radiology & Interventional Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangjun Dong
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Precision Radiology & Interventional Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuansheng Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Precision Radiology & Interventional Medicine, Wuhan, China
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25
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Yan C, Wang XF. Tumor immune evasion: Systemic immunosuppressive networks beyond the local microenvironment. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2025; 122:e2502597122. [PMID: 40112118 PMCID: PMC11962438 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2502597122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2025] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chengsong Yan
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC27710
| | - Xiao-Fan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC27710
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26
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Ma J, Tang L, Xiao J, Tang K, Zhang H, Huang B. Burning lactic acid: a road to revitalizing antitumor immunity. Front Med 2025:10.1007/s11684-025-1126-6. [PMID: 40119026 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-025-1126-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 12/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2025]
Abstract
Lactic acid (LA) accumulation in tumor microenvironments (TME) has been implicated in immune suppression and tumor progress. Diverse roles of LA have been elucidated, including microenvironmental pH regulation, signal transduction, post-translational modification, and metabolic remodeling. This review summarizes LA functions within TME, focusing on the effects on tumor cells, immune cells, and stromal cells. Reducing LA levels is a potential strategy to attack cancer, which inevitably affects the physiological functions of normal tissues. Alternatively, transporting LA into the mitochondria as an energy source for immune cells is intriguing. We underscore the significance of LA in both tumor biology and immunology, proposing the burning of LA as a potential therapeutic approach to enhance antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Ma
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Liang Tang
- Department of Immunology & State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Jingxuan Xiao
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ke Tang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Huafeng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Immunology & State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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27
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Shang T, Jia Z, Li J, Cao H, Xu H, Cong L, Ma D, Wang X, Liu J. Unraveling the triad of hypoxia, cancer cell stemness, and drug resistance. J Hematol Oncol 2025; 18:32. [PMID: 40102937 PMCID: PMC11921735 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-025-01684-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2025] [Indexed: 03/20/2025] Open
Abstract
In the domain of addressing cancer resistance, challenges such as limited effectiveness and treatment resistance remain persistent. Hypoxia is a key feature of solid tumors and is strongly associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Another significant portion of the development of acquired drug resistance is attributed to tumor stemness. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small tumor cell subset with self-renewal and proliferative abilities, are crucial for tumor initiation, metastasis, and intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Studies have shown a significant association between hypoxia and CSCs in the context of tumor resistance. Recent studies reveal a strong link between hypoxia and tumor stemness, which together promote tumor survival and progression during treatment. This review elucidates the interplay between hypoxia and CSCs, as well as their correlation with resistance to therapeutic drugs. Targeting pivotal genes associated with hypoxia and stemness holds promise for the development of novel therapeutics to combat tumor resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongxuan Shang
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Ziqi Jia
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Heng Cao
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Hengyi Xu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lin Cong
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Dongxu Ma
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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28
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Cabezón-Gutiérrez L, Palka-Kotlowska M, Custodio-Cabello S, Chacón-Ovejero B, Pacheco-Barcia V. Metabolic mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2025; 6:1002297. [PMID: 40092297 PMCID: PMC11907103 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2025.1002297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2025] [Indexed: 03/19/2025] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, yet its efficacy is frequently compromised by metabolic mechanisms that drive resistance. Understanding how tumor metabolism shapes the immune microenvironment is essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies. This review examines key metabolic pathways influencing immunotherapy resistance, including glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. We discuss their impact on immune cell function and tumor progression, highlighting emerging therapeutic strategies to counteract these effects. Tumor cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to sustain proliferation, altering the availability of essential nutrients and generating toxic byproducts that impair cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cell activity. The accumulation of lactate, deregulated lipid metabolism, and amino acid depletion contribute to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Targeting metabolic pathways, such as inhibiting glycolysis, modulating lipid metabolism, and restoring amino acid balance, has shown promise in enhancing immunotherapy response. Addressing metabolic barriers is crucial to overcoming immunotherapy resistance. Integrating metabolic-targeted therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors may improve clinical outcomes. Future research should focus on personalized strategies to optimize metabolic interventions and enhance antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Cabezón-Gutiérrez
- Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario De Torrejón, 28850 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Magda Palka-Kotlowska
- Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario De Torrejón, 28850 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Custodio-Cabello
- Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario De Torrejón, 28850 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Chacón-Ovejero
- Department of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Vilma Pacheco-Barcia
- Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario De Torrejón, 28850 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Madrid, Spain
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29
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Wu X, Liu C, Zhang C, Kuai L, Hu S, Jia N, Song J, Jiang W, Chen Q, Li B. The Role of Lactate and Lactylation in the Dysregulation of Immune Responses in Psoriasis. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2025; 68:28. [PMID: 40080284 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-025-09037-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2025] [Indexed: 03/15/2025]
Abstract
Historically, lactate has been considered merely a metabolic byproduct. However, recent studies have revealed that lactate plays a much more dynamic role, acting as an immune signaling molecule that influences cellular communication, through the process of "lactate shuttling." Lactylation, a novel post-translational modification, is directly derived from lactate and represents an emerging mechanism through which lactate exerts its effects on cellular function. It has been shown to directly affect immune cells by modulating the activation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways. This modification influences the expression of key immune-related genes, thereby impacting immune cell differentiation, cytokine production, and overall immune response. In this review, we focused on the role of lactate and lactylation in the dysregulation of immune responses in psoriasis and its relapse. Additionally, we discuss the potential applications of targeting lactate metabolism and lactylation modifications in the treatment of psoriasis, alongside the investigation of artificial intelligence applications in advancing lactate and lactylation-focused drug development, identifying therapeutic targets, and enabling personalized medical decision-making. The significance of this review lies in its comprehensive exploration of how lactate and lactylation contribute to immune dysregulation, offering a novel perspective for understanding the metabolic and epigenetic changes associated with psoriasis. By identifying the roles of these pathways in modulating immune responses, this review provides a foundation for the development of new therapeutic strategies that target these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Wu
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Changya Liu
- Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Caiyun Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Le Kuai
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Sheng Hu
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Ning Jia
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Jiankun Song
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Wencheng Jiang
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.
| | - Qilong Chen
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.
| | - Bin Li
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.
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30
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Llibre A, Kucuk S, Gope A, Certo M, Mauro C. Lactate: A key regulator of the immune response. Immunity 2025; 58:535-554. [PMID: 40073846 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2025.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2025] [Accepted: 02/06/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025]
Abstract
Lactate, the end product of both anaerobic and aerobic glycolysis in proliferating and growing cells-with the latter process known as the Warburg effect-is historically considered a mere waste product of cell and tissue metabolism. However, research over the past ten years has unveiled multifaceted functions of lactate that critically shape and impact cellular biology. Beyond serving as a fuel source, lactate is now known to influence gene expression through histone modification and to function as a signaling molecule that impacts a wide range of cellular activities. These properties have been particularly studied in the context of both adaptive and innate immune responses. Here, we review the diverse roles of lactate in the regulation of the immune system during homeostasis and disease pathogenesis (including cancer, infection, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmunity). Furthermore, we describe recently proposed therapeutic interventions for manipulating lactate metabolism in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Llibre
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Salih Kucuk
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Atrayee Gope
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Michelangelo Certo
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Claudio Mauro
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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31
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Chen Y, Xiao D, Li X. Lactylation and Central Nervous System Diseases. Brain Sci 2025; 15:294. [PMID: 40149815 PMCID: PMC11940311 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15030294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2025] [Revised: 03/01/2025] [Accepted: 03/10/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025] Open
Abstract
As the final product of glycolysis, lactate serves as an energy substrate, metabolite, and signaling molecule in various diseases and mediates lactylation, an epigenetic modification that occurs under both physiological and pathological conditions. Lactylation is a crucial mechanism by which lactate exerts its functions, participating in vital biological activities such as glycolysis-related cellular functions, macrophage polarization, and nervous system regulation. Lactylation links metabolic regulation to central nervous system (CNS) diseases, such as traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, acute ischemic stroke, and schizophrenia, revealing the diverse functions of lactylation in the CNS. In the future, further exploration of lactylation-associated enzymes and proteins is needed to develop specific lactylation inhibitors or activators, which could provide new tools and strategies for the treatment of CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Y.C.); (D.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dongqiong Xiao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Y.C.); (D.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xihong Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Y.C.); (D.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
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32
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Jin B, Miao Z, Pan J, Zhang Z, Yang Y, Zhou Y, Jin Y, Niu Z, Xu Q. The emerging role of glycolysis and immune evasion in ovarian cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2025; 25:78. [PMID: 40045411 PMCID: PMC11881340 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-025-03698-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2025] [Indexed: 03/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the three most common malignant tumors of the female reproductive system, with the highest mortality rate among gynecologic malignancies. Like other tumors, OC cells undergo metabolic reprogramming phenomenon and convert glucose metabolism into "aerobic glycolysis" and generate a high concentration of lactate, i.e., the "Warburg effect", which provides a large amount of energy and corresponding intermediary metabolites for their survival, reproduction and metastasis. Numerous studies have shown that targeted inhibition of aerobic glycolysis and lactate metabolism is a promising strategy to enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to immunotherapy. Therefore, this review summarizes the metabolic features of glycolysis in OC cells and highlights how abnormal lactate concentration affects the differentiation, metabolism, and function of infiltrating immune cells, which contributes to immunosuppression, and how targeted inhibition of this phenomenon may be a potential strategy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Jin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Cancer Center, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Fourth Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zehua Miao
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Junjie Pan
- Fourth Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, 310002, China
| | - Yibei Yang
- Fourth Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yidong Zhou
- Fourth Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuanxiang Jin
- Fourth Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Niu
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Cancer Center, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| | - Qiaoping Xu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Cancer Center, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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33
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Kostas JC, Brainard CS, Cristea IM. A Primer on Proteomic Characterization of Intercellular Communication in a Virus Microenvironment. Mol Cell Proteomics 2025; 24:100913. [PMID: 39862905 PMCID: PMC11889360 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2025.100913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2024] [Revised: 01/10/2025] [Accepted: 01/12/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Intercellular communication is fundamental to multicellular life and a core determinant of outcomes during viral infection, where the common goals of virus and host for persistence and replication are generally at odds. Hosts rely on encoded innate and adaptive immune responses to detect and clear viral pathogens, while viruses can exploit or disrupt these pathways and other intercellular communication processes to enhance their spread and promote pathogenesis. While virus-induced signaling can result in systemic changes to the host, striking alterations are observed within the cellular microenvironment directly surrounding a site of infection, termed the virus microenvironment (VME). Mechanisms employed by viruses to condition their VMEs are emerging and are critical for understanding the biology and pathologies of viral infections. Recent advances in experimental approaches, including proteomic methods, have enabled study of the VME in unprecedented detail. In this review article, we provide a primer on proteomic approaches used to study how viral infections alter intercellular communication, highlighting the ways in which these approaches have been implemented and the exciting biology they have uncovered. First, we consider the different molecules secreted by an infected cell, including proteins, either soluble or contained within extracellular vesicles, and metabolites. We further discuss the modalities of interactions facilitated by alteration at the cell surface of infected cells, including immunopeptide presentation and interactions with the extracellular matrix. Finally, we review spatial profiling approaches that have allowed distinguishing how specific subpopulations of cells within a VME respond to infection and alter their protein composition, discussing valuable insights these methods have offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Kostas
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Colter S Brainard
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ileana M Cristea
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA.
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Ciantra Z, Paraskevopoulou V, Aifantis I. The rewired immune microenvironment in leukemia. Nat Immunol 2025; 26:351-365. [PMID: 40021898 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-025-02096-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2025] [Indexed: 03/03/2025]
Abstract
Leukemias are a class of human cancers that originate from hematopoietic progenitors and are characterized by extensive remodeling of the immune microenvironment. Leukemic cells, on transformation, acquire the ability to evade immune recognition but, despite undergoing genetic and epigenetic changes, retain their characteristic immature immune signature. For this and other reasons, leukemias are often refractory to immune therapies. In the present Review, we cover these areas as a means of improving outcomes from a deeper understanding of immune rewiring, inflammatory signaling and the barriers to successful implementation of immune therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Ciantra
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Laura & Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Varvara Paraskevopoulou
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Laura & Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Iannis Aifantis
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Laura & Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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35
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Viel S, Vivier E, Walzer T, Marçais A. Targeting metabolic dysfunction of CD8 T cells and natural killer cells in cancer. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2025; 24:190-208. [PMID: 39668206 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-01098-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2024] [Indexed: 12/14/2024]
Abstract
The importance of metabolic pathways in regulating immune responses is now well established, and a mapping of the bioenergetic metabolism of different immune cell types is under way. CD8 T cells and natural killer (NK) cells contribute to cancer immunosurveillance through their cytotoxic functions and secretion of cytokines and chemokines, complementing each other in target recognition mechanisms. Several immunotherapies leverage these cell types by either stimulating their activity or redirecting their specificity against tumour cells. However, the anticancer activity of CD8 T cells and NK cells is rapidly diminished in the tumour microenvironment, closely linked to a decline in their metabolic capacities. Various strategies have been developed to restore cancer immunosurveillance, including targeting bioenergetic metabolism or genetic engineering. This Review provides an overview of metabolic dysfunction in CD8 T cells and NK cells within the tumour microenvironment, highlighting current therapies aiming to overcome these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Viel
- Plateforme de Biothérapie et de Production de Médicaments de Thérapie Innovante, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
- APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
- Paris Saclay Cancer Cluster, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, Inserm, Prédicteurs moléculaires et nouvelles cibles en oncologie, Villejuif, France
| | - Thierry Walzer
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, (Team Lyacts), Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308 ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Antoine Marçais
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, (Team Lyacts), Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308 ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France.
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Jantz-Naeem N, Guvencli N, Böttcher-Loschinski R, Böttcher M, Mougiakakos D, Kahlfuss S. Metabolic T-cell phenotypes: from bioenergetics to function. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2025; 328:C1062-C1075. [PMID: 39946684 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00478.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2025] [Indexed: 04/15/2025]
Abstract
It is well known that T-cell metabolism and function are intimately linked. Metabolic reprogramming is a dynamic process that provides the necessary energy and biosynthetic precursors while actively regulating the immune response of T cells. As such, aberrations and dysfunctions in metabolic (re)programming, resulting in altered metabolic endotypes, may have an impact on disease pathology in various contexts. With the increasing demand for personalized and highly specialized medicine and immunotherapy, understanding metabolic profiles and T-cell subset dependence on specific metabolites will be crucial to harness the therapeutic potential of immunometabolism and T cell bioenergetics. In this review, we dissect metabolic alterations in different T-cell subsets in autoimmune and viral inflammation, T cell and non-T-cell malignancies, highlighting potential anchor points for future treatment and therapeutic exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouria Jantz-Naeem
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Nese Guvencli
- Department of Haematology, Oncology, and Cell Therapy, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Romy Böttcher-Loschinski
- Department of Haematology, Oncology, and Cell Therapy, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Martin Böttcher
- Department of Haematology, Oncology, and Cell Therapy, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- Department of Haematology, Oncology, and Cell Therapy, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sascha Kahlfuss
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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Iguchi T, Kojima K, Hayashi D, Tokunaga T, Okishio K, Yoon H. Preoperative Maximum Standardized Uptake Value Emphasized in Explainable Machine Learning Model for Predicting the Risk of Recurrence in Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2025; 9:e2400194. [PMID: 40043221 PMCID: PMC11902606 DOI: 10.1200/cci-24-00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 12/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To comprehensively analyze the association between preoperative maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography and postoperative recurrence in resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using machine learning (ML) and statistical approaches. PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective study included 643 patients who had undergone NSCLC resection. ML models (random forest, gradient boosting, extreme gradient boosting, and AdaBoost) and a random survival forest model were developed to predict postoperative recurrence. Model performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) AUC and concordance index (C-index). Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) and partial dependence plots (PDPs) were used to interpret model predictions and quantify feature importance. The relationship between SUVmax and recurrence risk was evaluated by using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS The random forest model showed the highest predictive performance (ROC AUC, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.97). The SHAP analysis identified SUVmax as an important predictor. The PDP analysis showed a nonlinear relationship between SUVmax and recurrence risk, with a sharp increase at SUVmax 2-5. The random survival forest model achieved a C-index of 0.82. A permutation importance analysis identified SUVmax as the most important feature. In the Cox model, increased SUVmax was associated with a higher risk of recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.03 [95% CI, 1.00 to 1.06]). CONCLUSION Preoperative SUVmax showed significant predictive value for postoperative recurrence after NSCLC resection. The nonlinear relationship between SUVmax and recurrence risk, with a sharp increase at relatively low SUVmax values, suggests its potential as a sensitive biomarker for early identification of high-risk patients. This may contribute to more precise assessments of the risk of recurrence and personalized treatment strategies for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Iguchi
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, NHO Kinki Chuo Chest Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kensuke Kojima
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, NHO Kinki Chuo Chest Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Daiki Hayashi
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, NHO Kinki Chuo Chest Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshiteru Tokunaga
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, NHO Kinki Chuo Chest Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kyoichi Okishio
- Clinical Research Center, NHO Kinki Chuo Chest Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, NHO Kinki Chuo Chest Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hyungeun Yoon
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, NHO Kinki Chuo Chest Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
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Ruan L, Wang L. Adoptive cell therapy against tumor immune evasion: mechanisms, innovations, and future directions. Front Oncol 2025; 15:1530541. [PMID: 40094019 PMCID: PMC11906336 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1530541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2025] [Indexed: 03/19/2025] Open
Abstract
Tumors employ a range of strategies to evade detection and eradication by the host's immune system. These include downregulating antigen expression, altering antigen presentation processes, and inhibiting immune checkpoint pathways. etc. Adoptive Cell Therapy (ACT) represents a strategy that boosts anti-tumor immunity. This is achieved by amplifying or genetically engineering immune cells, which are either sourced from the patient or a donor, in a laboratory setting. Subsequently, these cells are reintroduced into the patient to bolster their immune response against cancer. ACT has successfully restored anti-tumor immune responses by amplifying the activity of T cells from patients or donors. This review focuses on the mechanisms underlying tumor escape, including alterations in tumor cell antigens, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and modulation of immune checkpoint pathways. It further explores how ACT can avddress these factors to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the review discusses the application of gene-editing technologies (such as CRISPR) in ACT, highlighting their potential to strengthen the anti-tumor capabilities of T cells. Looking forward, the personalized design of ACT, combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies, is expected to significantly improve treatment outcomes, positioning this approach as a key strategy in the field of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Ruan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, JiuJiang City Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy, JiuJiang No.1 People's Hospital, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Oncology, JiuJiang City Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy, JiuJiang No.1 People's Hospital, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China
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39
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Cote AL, Munger CJ, Ringel AE. Emerging insights into the impact of systemic metabolic changes on tumor-immune interactions. Cell Rep 2025; 44:115234. [PMID: 39862435 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2024] [Revised: 11/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Tumors are inherently embedded in systemic physiology, which contributes metabolites, signaling molecules, and immune cells to the tumor microenvironment. As a result, any systemic change to host metabolism can impact tumor progression and response to therapy. In this review, we explore how factors that affect metabolic health, such as diet, obesity, and exercise, influence the interplay between cancer and immune cells that reside within tumors. We also examine how metabolic diseases influence cancer progression, metastasis, and treatment. Finally, we consider how metabolic interventions can be deployed to improve immunotherapy. The overall goal is to highlight how metabolic heterogeneity in the human population shapes the immune response to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Cote
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard, 600 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 31 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Chad J Munger
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard, 600 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 31 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alison E Ringel
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard, 600 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 31 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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40
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Andryszkiewicz W, Gąsiorowska J, Kübler M, Kublińska K, Pałkiewicz A, Wiatkowski A, Szwedowicz U, Choromańska A. Glucose Metabolism and Tumor Microenvironment: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:1879. [PMID: 40076506 PMCID: PMC11900028 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26051879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2025] [Revised: 02/17/2025] [Accepted: 02/19/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells involves changes in glucose metabolism, glutamine utilization, and lipid production, as well as promoting increased cell proliferation, survival, and immune resistance by altering the tumor microenvironment. Our study analyzes metabolic reprogramming in neoplastically transformed cells, focusing on changes in glucose metabolism, glutaminolysis, and lipid synthesis. Moreover, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting cancer metabolism, focusing on key enzymes involved in glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and amino acid metabolism, including lactate dehydrogenase A, hexokinase, phosphofructokinase and others. The review also highlights challenges such as metabolic heterogeneity, adaptability, and the need for personalized therapies to overcome resistance and minimize adverse effects in cancer treatment. This review underscores the significance of comprehending metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells to engineer targeted therapies, personalize treatment methodologies, and surmount challenges, including metabolic plasticity and therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Andryszkiewicz
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (W.A.); (J.G.); (M.K.); (K.K.); (A.P.); (A.W.)
| | - Julia Gąsiorowska
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (W.A.); (J.G.); (M.K.); (K.K.); (A.P.); (A.W.)
| | - Maja Kübler
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (W.A.); (J.G.); (M.K.); (K.K.); (A.P.); (A.W.)
| | - Karolina Kublińska
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (W.A.); (J.G.); (M.K.); (K.K.); (A.P.); (A.W.)
| | - Agata Pałkiewicz
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (W.A.); (J.G.); (M.K.); (K.K.); (A.P.); (A.W.)
| | - Adam Wiatkowski
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (W.A.); (J.G.); (M.K.); (K.K.); (A.P.); (A.W.)
| | - Urszula Szwedowicz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Anna Choromańska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
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Revilla SA, Frederiks CL, Prekovic S, Mocholi E, Kranenburg O, Coffer PJ. Tumor-derived colorectal cancer organoids induce a unique Treg cell population by directing CD4 + T cell differentiation. iScience 2025; 28:111827. [PMID: 39995881 PMCID: PMC11848486 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.111827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 11/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
In colorectal cancer (CRC), increased numbers of tumor-infiltrating CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells correlate with tumor development, immunotherapy failure, and poor prognosis. To assess how CRC tumors directly modulate Treg cell differentiation, we developed an in vitro co-culture system using CD4+ T cells from Foxp3eGFP mice and CRC tumor-derived organoids. Co-culture resulted in a significant increase in Treg cell numbers. RNA-sequencing identified a distinct transcriptional profile of CRC organoid-induced Treg cells, with upregulation of genes associated with CRC Treg cells in vivo. High expression of genes upregulated in CRC organoid-induced Treg cells correlates with shorter progression-free intervals and overall survival in CRC patients. Human CRC organoids similarly induced Treg cells with enhanced suppressive capacity and upregulated genes linked to CRC Treg cells in vivo. This model provides insights into how CRC tumors modulate CD4+ T cell differentiation and can identify approaches to disrupt Treg cells and stimulate anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Aristin Revilla
- Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Cynthia L. Frederiks
- Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Prekovic
- Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Enric Mocholi
- Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Onno Kranenburg
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Coffer
- Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Liu H, Wang S, Wang J, Guo X, Song Y, Fu K, Gao Z, Liu D, He W, Yang LL. Energy metabolism in health and diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2025; 10:69. [PMID: 39966374 PMCID: PMC11836267 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-025-02141-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Revised: 11/08/2024] [Accepted: 12/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2025] Open
Abstract
Energy metabolism is indispensable for sustaining physiological functions in living organisms and assumes a pivotal role across physiological and pathological conditions. This review provides an extensive overview of advancements in energy metabolism research, elucidating critical pathways such as glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism, along with their intricate regulatory mechanisms. The homeostatic balance of these processes is crucial; however, in pathological states such as neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer, extensive metabolic reprogramming occurs, resulting in impaired glucose metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction, which accelerate disease progression. Recent investigations into key regulatory pathways, including mechanistic target of rapamycin, sirtuins, and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, have considerably deepened our understanding of metabolic dysregulation and opened new avenues for therapeutic innovation. Emerging technologies, such as fluorescent probes, nano-biomaterials, and metabolomic analyses, promise substantial improvements in diagnostic precision. This review critically examines recent advancements and ongoing challenges in metabolism research, emphasizing its potential for precision diagnostics and personalized therapeutic interventions. Future studies should prioritize unraveling the regulatory mechanisms of energy metabolism and the dynamics of intercellular energy interactions. Integrating cutting-edge gene-editing technologies and multi-omics approaches, the development of multi-target pharmaceuticals in synergy with existing therapies such as immunotherapy and dietary interventions could enhance therapeutic efficacy. Personalized metabolic analysis is indispensable for crafting tailored treatment protocols, ultimately providing more accurate medical solutions for patients. This review aims to deepen the understanding and improve the application of energy metabolism to drive innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yujing Song
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kun Fu
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenjie Gao
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Danfeng Liu
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Wei He
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Lei-Lei Yang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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Chang TD, Chen YJ, Luo JL, Zhang C, Chen SY, Lin ZQ, Zhang PD, Shen YX, Tang TX, Li H, Dong LM, Tang ZH, Chen D, Wang YM. Adaptation of Natural Killer Cells to Hypoxia: A Review of the Transcriptional, Translational, and Metabolic Processes. Immunotargets Ther 2025; 14:99-121. [PMID: 39990274 PMCID: PMC11846490 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s492334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2025] [Indexed: 02/25/2025] Open
Abstract
As important innate immune cells, natural killer (NK) cells play an essential role in resisting pathogen invasion and eliminating transformed cells. However, the hypoxic microenvironment caused by disease conditions is an important physicochemical factor that impairs NK cell function. With the increasing prominence of NK cells in immunotherapy, there has been a surge of interest in developing biological means through which NK cells may overcome the inhibition caused by hypoxia in disease conditions. Although the effects of hypoxic conditions in shaping the functions of NK cells have been increasingly recognized and investigated, reviews have been scantly. A comprehensive understanding of how NK cells adapt to hypoxia can provide valuable insights into how the functional capacity of NK cells may be restored. This review focuses on the functional alterations of NK cells in response to hypoxia. It delineates the mechanisms by which NK cells adapt to hypoxia at the transcriptional, metabolic, translational levels. Furthermore, given the complexity of the hypoxic microenvironment, we also elucidated the effects of key hypoxic metabolites on NK cells. Finally, this review discusses the current clinical therapies derived from targeting hypoxic NK cells. The study of NK cell adaptation to hypoxia has yielded new insights into immunotherapy. These insights may lead to development of novel strategies to improve the treatment of infectious diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te-Ding Chang
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Jie Chen
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia-Liu Luo
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shun-Yao Chen
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Lin
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pei-Dong Zhang
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - You-Xie Shen
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting-Xuan Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Ming Dong
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Hui Tang
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Deng Chen
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Man Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
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Zielińska MK, Ciążyńska M, Sulejczak D, Rutkowski P, Czarnecka AM. Mechanisms of Resistance to Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy in Melanoma and Strategies to Overcome It. Biomolecules 2025; 15:269. [PMID: 40001572 PMCID: PMC11853485 DOI: 10.3390/biom15020269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2024] [Revised: 12/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy in melanoma remains a major obstacle in achieving effective and durable treatment outcomes, highlighting the need to understand and address the underlying mechanisms. The first key factor is innate anti-PD-1 resistance signature (IPRES), an expression of a group of genes associated with tumor plasticity and immune evasion. IPRES promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), increasing melanoma cells' invasiveness and survival. Overexpressed AXL, TWIST2, and WNT5a induce phenotypic changes. The upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines frequently coincides with EMT-related changes, further promoting a resistant and aggressive tumor phenotype. Inflamed tumor microenvironment may also drive the expression of resistance. The complexity of immune resistance development suggests that combination therapies are necessary to overcome it. Furthermore, targeting epigenetic regulation and exploring novel approaches such as miR-146a modulation may provide new strategies to counter resistance in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena K. Zielińska
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.Z.); (P.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Warsaw Medical University, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Ciążyńska
- Chemotherapy Unit and Day Chemotherapy Ward, Specialised Oncology Hospital, 97-200 Tomaszów Mazowiecki, Poland;
- Department of Dermatology, Paediatric Dermatology and Oncology Clinic, Medical University of Lodz, 91-347 Łódź, Poland
| | - Dorota Sulejczak
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Piotr Rutkowski
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.Z.); (P.R.)
| | - Anna M. Czarnecka
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.Z.); (P.R.)
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
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Zhao Y, Zhu W, Dong S, Zhang H, Zhou W. Glucose Metabolism Reprogramming of Immune Cells in the Microenvironment of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Cancers. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2025; 40:355-366. [PMID: 39780341 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2024] [Revised: 12/22/2024] [Accepted: 12/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers are increasing in prevalence and contribute significantly to cancer-related mortality worldwide. Emerging therapeutic approaches, particularly immunotherapy, are gaining attention for their potential to harness the patient's immune system to combat these tumors. Understanding the role of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and their metabolic reprogramming is key to developing more effective treatment strategies. This review aims to explore the relationship between immune cell function and glucose metabolism in the TME of pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers. METHODS This review synthesizes current research on the metabolic adaptations of immune cells, specifically focusing on glucose metabolism within the TME of pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers. We examine the mechanisms by which immune cells influence tumor progression through metabolic reprogramming and how these interactions can be targeted for therapeutic purposes. RESULTS Immune cells in the TME undergo significant metabolic changes, with glucose metabolism playing a central role in modulating immune responses. These metabolic shifts not only affect immune cell function but also influence tumor behavior and progression. The unique metabolic features of immune cells in pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers provide new opportunities for targeting immune responses to combat these malignancies more effectively. CONCLUSION Understanding the complex relationship between immune cell glucose metabolism and tumor progression in the TME of pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers offers promising therapeutic strategies. By modulating immune responses through targeted metabolic interventions, it may be possible to improve the efficacy of immunotherapies and better combat these aggressive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqing Zhao
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Weixiong Zhu
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shi Dong
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wence Zhou
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Oncology, Lanzhou, China
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Cui Z, Wang H, Feng X, Wu C, Yi M, He R, Pan T, Gao R, Feng L, Zeng B, Huang G, Wang Y, Du Y, Zhang CJ, Xiao X, Wang C. MYO1F regulates T-cell activation and glycolytic metabolism by promoting the acetylation of GAPDH. Cell Mol Immunol 2025; 22:176-190. [PMID: 39668163 PMCID: PMC11782582 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01247-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 11/27/2024] [Indexed: 12/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Proper cellular metabolism in T cells is critical for a productive immune response. However, when dysregulated by intrinsic or extrinsic metabolic factors, T cells may contribute to a wide spectrum of diseases, such as cancers and autoimmune diseases. However, the metabolic regulation of T cells remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that MYO1F is required for human and mouse T-cell activation after TCR stimulation and that T-cell-specific Myo1f knockout mice exhibit an increased tumor burden and attenuated EAE severity due to impaired T-cell activation in vivo. Mechanistically, after TCR stimulation, MYO1F is phosphorylated by LCK at tyrosines 607 and 634, which is critical for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) acetylation at Lys84, 86 and 227 mediated by α-TAT1, which is an acetyltransferase, and these processes are important for its activation, cellular glycolysis and thus the effector function of T cells. Importantly, we show that a fusion protein of VAV1-MYO1F, a recurrent peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)-associated oncogenic protein, promotes hyperacetylation of GAPDH and its activation, which leads to aberrant glycolysis and T-cell proliferation, and that inhibition of the activity of GAPDH significantly limits T-cell activation and proliferation and extends the survival of hVAV1-MYO1F knock-in mice. Moreover, hyperacetylation of GAPDH was confirmed in human PTCL patient samples containing the VAV1-MYO1F gene fusion. Overall, this study revealed not only the mechanisms by which MYO1F regulates T-cell metabolism and VAV1-MYO1F fusion-induced PTCL but also promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of PTCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Cui
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074; Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Heping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074; Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiong Feng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074; Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuyu Wu
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Medical Laboratory Clinical Medical Research Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ming Yi
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Medical Laboratory Clinical Medical Research Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruirui He
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Medical Laboratory Clinical Medical Research Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Pan
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ru Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074; Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingyun Feng
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Medical Laboratory Clinical Medical Research Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo Zeng
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Medical Laboratory Clinical Medical Research Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guoling Huang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanyun Du
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
- Sichuan Medical Laboratory Clinical Medical Research Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China.
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Cun-Jin Zhang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xue Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Chenhui Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
- Sichuan Medical Laboratory Clinical Medical Research Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China.
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Xia Y, Huang C, Zhong M, Zhong H, Ruan R, Xiong J, Yao Y, Zhou J, Deng J. Targeting HGF/c-MET signaling to regulate the tumor microenvironment: Implications for counteracting tumor immune evasion. Cell Commun Signal 2025; 23:46. [PMID: 39856684 PMCID: PMC11762533 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-025-02033-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) along with its receptor (c-MET) are crucial in preserving standard cellular physiological activities, and imbalances in the c-MET signaling pathway can lead to the development and advancement of tumors. It has been extensively demonstrated that immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can result in prolonged remission in certain patients. Nevertheless, numerous preclinical studies have shown that MET imbalance hinders the effectiveness of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatments through various mechanisms. Consequently, clarifying the link between the c-MET signaling pathway and the tumor microenvironment (TME), as well as uncovering the effects of anti-MET treatment on ICI therapy, is crucial for enhancing the outlook for tumor patients. In this review, we examine the impact of abnormal activation of the HGF/c-MET signaling pathway on the control of the TME and the processes governing PD-L1 expression in cancer cells. The review thoroughly examines both clinical and practical evidence regarding the use of c-MET inhibitors alongside PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, emphasizing that focusing on c-MET with immunotherapy enhances the effectiveness of treating MET tumors exhibiting elevated PD-L1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xia
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory for Individual Cancer Therapy, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
| | - Chunye Huang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory for Individual Cancer Therapy, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
| | - Min Zhong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
| | - Hongguang Zhong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory for Individual Cancer Therapy, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
| | - Ruiwen Ruan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory for Individual Cancer Therapy, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
| | - Jianping Xiong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory for Individual Cancer Therapy, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
| | - Yangyang Yao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China.
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory for Individual Cancer Therapy, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China.
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China.
| | - Jun Deng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China.
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory for Individual Cancer Therapy, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China.
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Pawar K, Gupta PP, Solanki PS, Niraj RRK, Kothari SL. Targeting SLC4A4: A Novel Approach in Colorectal Cancer Drug Repurposing. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2025; 47:67. [PMID: 39852182 PMCID: PMC11764095 DOI: 10.3390/cimb47010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2024] [Revised: 01/14/2025] [Accepted: 01/15/2025] [Indexed: 01/26/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex and increasingly prevalent malignancy with significant challenges in its treatment and prognosis. This study aims to explore the role of the SLC4A4 transporter as a biomarker in CRC progression and its potential as a therapeutic target, particularly in relation to tumor acidity and immune response. METHODS The study utilized computational approaches, including receptor-based virtual screening and high-throughput docking, to identify potential SLC4A4 inhibitors. A model of the human SLC4A4 structure was generated based on CryoEM data (PDB ID 6CAA), and drug candidates from the DrugBank database were evaluated using two computational tools (DrugRep and CB-DOCK2). RESULTS The study identified the compound (5R)-N-[(1r)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butanoyl]-2-decanamide (DB07991) as the best ligand, demonstrating favorable binding affinity and stability. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed strong protein-ligand interactions with consistent RMSD (~0.25 nm), RMSF (~0.5 nm), compact Rg (4.0-3.9 nm), and stable SASA profiles, indicating that the SLC4A4 structure remains stable upon ligand binding. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that DB07991 is a promising drug candidate for further investigation as a therapeutic agent against CRC, particularly for targeting SLC4A4. This study highlights the potential of computational drug repositioning in identifying effective treatments for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krunal Pawar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, SP-1, Kant Kalwar, RIICO Industrial Area, NH-11C, Jaipur 303002, Rajasthan, India; (K.P.); (R.R.K.N.)
| | - Pramodkumar P. Gupta
- School of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, D Y Patil Deemed to be University, Plot 50, Sector 15, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai 400614, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pooran Singh Solanki
- Bioinformatics Center, Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Jaipur 302001, Rajasthan, India;
- Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Off Campus Jaipur, Jaipur 302001, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ravi Ranjan Kumar Niraj
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, SP-1, Kant Kalwar, RIICO Industrial Area, NH-11C, Jaipur 303002, Rajasthan, India; (K.P.); (R.R.K.N.)
| | - Shanker L. Kothari
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, SP-1, Kant Kalwar, RIICO Industrial Area, NH-11C, Jaipur 303002, Rajasthan, India; (K.P.); (R.R.K.N.)
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Wang R, Liu G, Wang K, Pan Z, Pei Z, Hu X. Hypoxia signature derived from tumor-associated endothelial cells predict prognosis in gastric cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2025; 13:1515681. [PMID: 39901877 PMCID: PMC11788339 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2025.1515681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2025] [Indexed: 02/05/2025] Open
Abstract
Background A hypoxic metabolism environment in the tumors is often associated with poor prognostic events such as tumor progression and treatment resistance. In gastric cancer, the mechanism of how hypoxia metabolism affects the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy efficacy remains to be elucidated. Methods We used the bulk-mapping method to analyze the signatures correlated with the response of immunotherapy in the single-cell dataset. Cellular, pathway, and gene were systematically analyzed in both single-cell and bulk validation datasets. Results The most significant cell proportion difference between the response and non-response groups was in endothelial cells, which represent the malignant cells. VWF was specifically overexpressed in endothelial cells and was the hub gene of differential genes. EPAS1 was a VWF trans-regulated gene and highly positively correlated with VWF in expression. Knockdown experiments demonstrated that siVWF reduced the expression of VWF, EPAS1, and HIF1A, as well as the synthesis of lactate and adenosine which are indicators of hypoxic metabolism. These results suggest that the overexpression of core malign endothelial genes such as VWF drives hypoxic metabolism in tumors and creates an immunosuppressive environment that reduces the efficacy of immunotherapy. The adverse prognosis of the hypoxia signature was validated in the bulk cohort and significance was further enhanced after selecting core genes and combined survival weight scoring. Conclusion In summary, high expression of the malignant endothelial cell driver genes VWF and EPAS1 enhances hypoxic metabolism, and malignant cell-immune cell interactions suppress the immune response. Therefore, the two core genes of hypoxic metabolism might represent potential therapeutic and predicting biomarkers for immunotherapy of gastric cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiheng Wang
- Surgical Ward, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Guijun Liu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- Department of administrative, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Endoscopy Room, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Zhanglei Pan
- Surgical Ward, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Zhihua Pei
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xijiao Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- Postdoctoral Research Station of Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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Mendoza EN, Ciriolo MR, Ciccarone F. Hypoxia-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species: Their Role in Cancer Resistance and Emerging Therapies to Overcome It. Antioxidants (Basel) 2025; 14:94. [PMID: 39857427 PMCID: PMC11762716 DOI: 10.3390/antiox14010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2024] [Revised: 01/07/2025] [Accepted: 01/14/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Normal tissues typically maintain partial oxygen pressure within a range of 3-10% oxygen, ensuring homeostasis through a well-regulated oxygen supply and responsive vascular network. However, in solid tumors, rapid growth often outpaces angiogenesis, creating a hypoxic microenvironment that fosters tumor progression, altered metabolism and resistance to therapy. Hypoxic tumor regions experience uneven oxygen distribution with severe hypoxia in the core due to poor vascularization and high metabolic oxygen consumption. Cancer cells adapt to these conditions through metabolic shifts, predominantly relying on glycolysis, and by upregulating antioxidant defenses to mitigate reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative damage. Hypoxia-induced ROS, resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction and enzyme activation, exacerbates genomic instability, tumor aggressiveness, and therapy resistance. Overcoming hypoxia-induced ROS cancer resistance requires a multifaceted approach that targets various aspects of tumor biology. Emerging therapeutic strategies target hypoxia-induced resistance, focusing on hypoxia-inducible factors, ROS levels, and tumor microenvironment subpopulations. Combining innovative therapies with existing treatments holds promise for improving cancer outcomes and overcoming resistance mechanisms.
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