Metabolic regulation in the immune response to cancer

Metabolic reprogramming in tumor-immune interactions is emerging as a key factor affecting pro-inflammatory carcinogenic effects and anticancer immune responses. Therefore, dysregulated metabolites and their regulators affect both cancer progression and therapeutic response. Here, we describe the molecular mechanisms through which microenvironmental, systemic, and microbial metabolites potentially influence the host immune response to mediate malignant progression and therapeutic intervention. We summarized the primary interplaying factors that constitute metabolism, immunological reactions, and cancer with a focus on mechanistic aspects. Finally, we discussed the possibility of metabolic interventions at multiple levels to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapeutic and conventional approaches for future anticancer treatments.

Automated summary

Metabolic reprogramming plays a key role in tumor-immune interactions, influencing pro-inflammatory carcinogenic effects and anticancer immune responses. Dysregulated metabolites impact both cancer progression and therapeutic responses. Possible interventions at multiple levels are discussed to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapeutic and conventional approaches in future anticancer treatments.