Metabolic reprograming of anti-tumor immunity

Curr Opin Immunol. 2017 Jun:46:14-22. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2017.03.011. Epub 2017 Apr 13.

Abstract

Immunotherapies designed to trigger T cell destruction of tumor cells can result in sustained and complete responses in patients whose cancers were resistant to available treatment options. Evidence suggests that powering the T cell response - how T cells generate energy - plays an important role in their effectiveness. Furthermore the metabolism of T cells can be modulated to improve their anti-cancer activities. In this review, we will discuss the key metabolic properties of anti-cancer T cells, along with potential strategies to enhance immunotherapy through the modulation of T cell metabolism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology
  • Energy Metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunity*
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / immunology
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / metabolism
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Microenvironment / immunology