Cancer Metabolism in Tumor Immunology

In recent years, the links between oncogenes, tumour suppressors and metabolism bring a great interest in cancer metabolism. Tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) comprising tumour cells, immune cells, stromal cells and blood and lymph vessel cells serves as a vital role in tumour growth. Emerging evidence showed that the aberrant metabolites or intermediates of cancer metabolism are involved in the proliferation, differentiation, activation and function of immune cells. Furthermore, understanding of how specific metabolic pathways affects the TIME cells which can either suppress or promote tumour progression is necessary for immunology. In a word, cancer cells can reduce the metabolic fitness of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and thus suppress anti-tumor immune response. Considering the importance of metabolism in TIME, the restoration of the dysregulated tumor metabolic microenvironment is expected to be a target of tumor immunotherapy. For exploring the potential of cancer metabolism in the field of tumor immunology, our issue will showcase cutting-edge research and advancements between the cancer metabolism and TIME and enhance treatment outcomes.

12/04/2025