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Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research

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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Review

Targeting T cell metabolism in the tumor microenvironment: an anti-cancer therapeutic strategy

Authors: Zhongping Yin, Ling Bai, Wei Li, Tanlun Zeng, Huimin Tian, Jiuwei Cui

Published in: Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

T cells play important roles in anti-tumor immunity. Emerging evidence has revealed that distinct metabolic changes impact the activation and differentiation of T cells. Tailoring immune responses by manipulating cellular metabolic pathways and the identification of new targets may provide new options for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the metabolic reprogramming of different subtypes of T cells and T cell functions. We summarize how metabolic pathways accurately regulate T cell development, differentiation, and function in the tumor microenvironment. Because of the similar metabolism in activated T cells and tumor cells, we also describe the effect of the tumor microenvironment on T cell metabolism reprogramming, which may provide strategies for maximal anti-cancer effects and enhancing the immunity of T cells. Thus, studies of T lymphocyte metabolism can not only facilitate the basic research of immune metabolism, but also provide potential targets for drug development and new strategies for clinical treatment of cancer.

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Title: Targeting T cell metabolism in the tumor microenvironment: an anti-cancer therapeutic strategy
Authors: Zhongping Yin
Ling Bai
Wei Li
Tanlun Zeng
Huimin Tian
Jiuwei Cui
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1756-9966
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-019-1409-3

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