Innate and adaptive immune cell metabolism in tumor microenvironment

Abstract

During an immune response, leukocytes undergo major changes in growth and function that are tightly coupled to dynamic shifts in metabolic processes. Immunometabolism is an emerging field that investigates the interplay between immunological and metabolic processes. The immune system has a key role to play in controlling cancer initiation and progression. Increasing evidence indicates the immunosuppressive nature of the local environment in tumor. In tumor microenvironment, immune cells collectively adapt in a dynamic manner to the metabolic needs of cancer cells, thus prompting tumorigenesis and resistance to treatments. Here, we summarize the latest insights into the metabolic reprogramming of immune cells in tumor microenvironment and their potential roles in tumor progression and metastasis. Manipulating metabolic remodeling and immune responses may provide an exciting new option for cancer immunotherapy.