Autoimmune sialadenitis is associated with the upregulation of chemokine/chemokine receptor pairs in T cell-specific TRAF6-deficient mice

Precise targeting of lipid metabolism in the era of immuno-oncology and the latest advances in nano-based drug delivery systems for cancer therapy

Over the past decade, research has increasingly identified unique dysregulations in lipid metabolism within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Lipids, diverse biomolecules, not only constitute biological membranes but also function as signaling molecules and energy sources. Enhanced synthesis or uptake of lipids in the TME significantly promotes tumorigenesis and proliferation. Moreover, lipids secreted into the TME influence tumor-resident immune cells (TRICs), thereby aiding tumor survival against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. This review aims to highlight recent advancements in understanding lipid metabolism in both tumor cells and TRICs, with a particular emphasis on exogenous lipid uptake and endogenous lipid de novo synthesis. Targeting lipid metabolism for intervention in anticancer therapies offers a promising therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment. Nano-drug delivery systems (NDDSs) have emerged as a means to maximize anti-tumor effects by rewiring tumor metabolism. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent literature on the development of NDDSs targeting tumor lipid metabolism, particularly in the context of tumor immunotherapy. It covers four key aspects: reprogramming lipid uptake, reprogramming lipolysis, reshaping fatty acid oxidation (FAO), and reshuffling lipid composition on the cell membrane. The review concludes with a discussion of future prospects and challenges in this burgeoning field of research.

Enhanced immune memory through a constant photothermal-metabolism regulation for cancer prevention and treatment

Tumor vaccine inducing effective and perdurable antitumor immunity has a great potential for cancer prevention and therapy. The key indicator for a successful tumor vaccine is boosting the immune system to produce more memory T cells. Although many tumor vaccines have been designed, few of them involve in actively regulating immune memory CD8+T cells. Here a tumor vaccine vector (TA-Met@MS) by encapsulating tumor antigen (TA), metformin (Met) and Hollow gold nanospheres (HAuNS) into poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres was presented. TA via the treatment of photothermal therapy (PTT) showed high immunogenicity and immune-adjuvant effectiveness. And NIR light-mediated photothermal effect can lead to a pulsed-release behavior of TA and Met from the microspheres. The released TA can regulate primary T cell expansion and contraction, and stimulate the production of effector T cells at the early immunization stage. The metabolic behavior of the cells is then intervened from glycolysis into fatty acids oxidation (FAO) through the activation of AMPK mediated by Met, which can enhance T cell survival and facilitate the differentiation of memory CD8+T cells. This study may present a valuable insight to design tumor vaccine for enhanced cancer prevention and therapy.

Mechanism by which TRAF6 Participates in the Immune Regulation of Autoimmune Diseases and Cancer

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is a signal transduction molecule shared by the interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R)/Toll-like receptor (TLR) family and the TNFR superfamily. TRAF6 has a unique TRAF domain and RING finger domain that mediate intracellular signaling events. In the immune system, TRAF6-mediated signaling has been shown to be critical for the development, homeostasis, and activation of a variety of immune cells, including B cells, T cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages. Although the pathogenesis and etiology of autoimmune diseases and cancer are not fully understood, it is worth noting that existing studies have shown that TRAF6 is involved in the pathogenesis and development of a variety of these diseases. Herein, we reviewed the role of TRAF6 in certain immune cells, as well as the function and potential effect of TRAF6 in autoimmune diseases and cancer. Our review indicates that TRAF6 may be a novel target for autoimmune diseases and cancer.