Interplay of Immunometabolism and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in the Tumor Microenvironment

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Sep 13;22(18):9878. doi: 10.3390/ijms22189878.

Abstract

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells are the key hallmarks of tumor metastasis. Since the relationship between the two has been well studied, researchers have gained increasing interest in the interplay of cancer cell EMT and immune metabolic changes. Whether the mutual influences between them could provide novel explanations for immune surveillance during metastasis is worth understanding. Here, we review the role of immunometabolism in the regulatory loop between tumor-infiltrating immune cells and EMT. We also discuss the challenges and perspectives of targeting immunometabolism in cancer treatment.

Keywords: epithelial–mesenchymal transition; immunometabolism; tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / genetics
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immune System / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tumor Microenvironment / genetics
  • Tumor Microenvironment / immunology*