The Diverse Roles of Lipid Metabolism Reprogramming in Shaping the Tumor Immune Microenvironment.

Abstract

Lipid metabolism reprogramming modulates the tumor microenvironment (TME) and alters the function of immune cells, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). Although lipids can enhance general T-cell activity, high lipid content in the TME may restrain the antitumor function of effector T cells and augment immunosuppression by regulatory T cells. In addition, lipid metabolism reprogramming greatly influences the cross-talk between TILs and other immune cells in the TME, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. By discussing potential therapeutic strategies to target lipid metabolism in TILs, along with combination approaches with chemo-immunotherapy, nanomedicine, and adoptive cell transfer therapy, we aim to lay the groundwork for advancing effective treatments for patients with cancer.