Immunometabolic reprogramming, another cancer hallmark

Molecular carcinogenesis is a multistep process that involves acquired abnormalities in key biological processes. The complexity of cancer pathogenesis is best illustrated in the six hallmarks of the cancer: (1) the development of self-sufficient growth signals, (2) the emergence of clones that are resistant to apoptosis, (3) resistance to the antigrowth signals, (4) neo-angiogenesis, (5) the invasion of normal tissue or spread to the distant organs, and (6) limitless replicative potential. It also appears that non-resolving inflammation leads to the dysregulation of immune cell metabolism and subsequent cancer progression. The present article delineates immunometabolic reprogramming as a critical hallmark of cancer by linking chronic inflammation and immunosuppression to cancer growth and metastasis. We propose that targeting tumor immunometabolic reprogramming will lead to the design of novel immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer.

Automated summary

Molecular carcinogenesis is a complex process involving abnormalities in key biological processes. The six hallmarks of cancer illustrate its complexity, including self-sufficient growth signals, apoptosis resistance, antigrowth signal resistance, neo-angiogenesis, invasion/spread, and limitless replicative potential. Chronic inflammation leads to immune cell metabolism dysregulation and cancer progression. This article highlights immunometabolic reprogramming as a critical hallmark of cancer and suggests targeting it for novel immunotherapeutic approaches.