Dendritic Cell Metabolism and Function in Tumors

Trends Immunol. 2019 Aug;40(8):699-718. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2019.06.004. Epub 2019 Jul 10.

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) are fundamental for the initiation and maintenance of immune responses against malignant cells. Despite the unique potential of DCs to elicit robust anticancer immunity, the tumor microenvironment poses a variety of challenges that hinder competent DC function and consequently inhibit the development of protective immune responses. Here, we discuss recent studies uncovering new molecular pathways and metabolic programs that tumors manipulate in DCs to disturb their homeostasis and evade immune control. We also examine certain state-of-the-art strategies that seek to improve DC function and elicit antitumor responses in hosts with cancer. Understanding and modulating DC metabolism and activity within tumors might help improve the efficacy of T cell-centric immunotherapies.

Keywords: cancer; dendritic cells; immunosuppression; immunotherapy; metabolism; tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cellular Reprogramming
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism*
  • Disease Susceptibility* / immunology
  • Energy Metabolism*
  • Glycolysis
  • Humans
  • Immunomodulation
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • Tumor Microenvironment / immunology

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II