Cancer cell, metabolic reprogramming, tumor microenvironment, immune system
Abstract
Cancer cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to adapt to the harsh tumor microenvironment, allowing for their rapid proliferation and high survival rates. Metabolic reprogramming is one of the top ten characteristics of tumors and plays a key role in promoting tumorigenesis and progression. Glucose metabolism disorders are the most representative metabolic features. Unlike normal cells that rely on oxidative phosphorylation under aerobic conditions, cancer cells predominantly utilize aerobic glycolysis, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. This shift in metabolism in cancer cells not only enhances ATP production but also generates metabolites like lactate that may lead to an acidic tumor microenvironment (TME), which could further promote the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells. Metabolites like lactate, glutamine, arginine, tryptophan, and cholesterol not only provide energy and build blocks for cancer cells but also reprogram immune cell responses, facilitating immune evasion. This review explores the complex interactions between cancer cell metabolism and the immune system, highlighting how metabolites of cancer cells modulate immune responses and contribute to cancer progression. Understanding these interactions can provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies that target both cancer metabolism and immune evasion mechanisms.
