Regulation of immune cell metabolism by cancer cell oncogenic mutations

Int J Cancer. 2020 Jul 15;147(2):307-316. doi: 10.1002/ijc.32888. Epub 2020 Feb 25.

Abstract

In noncancerous tissues, neighboring cells coexist in metabolic harmony. This metabolic harmony is disrupted in cancerous tissues, often accompanied by genetic mutations. Tumor cells fundamentally change the metabolite profiles in the tumor microenvironment to favor their own growth. In this review, we will discuss several examples in which genetic mutations reprogram tumor cell metabolic pathways, leading to the consumption of essential nutrients in the tumor microenvironment, production of toxic byproducts, and suppression of antitumor immune cell metabolic fitness and tumor-killing function. Finally, we will briefly discuss how immune checkpoint blockade overcomes the metabolic suppression of tumor-infiltrating immune cells.

Keywords: T-cell metabolism; immunometabolism; oncogenic mutations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cellular Reprogramming
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / drug effects
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / metabolism
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways
  • Mutation*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Oncogene Proteins / genetics*
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Oncogene Proteins