Targeting one-carbon metabolism for cancer immunotherapy

BackgroundOne-carbon (1C) metabolism is a metabolic network that plays essential roles in biological reactions. In 1C metabolism, a series of nutrients are used to fuel metabolic pathways, including nucleotide metabolism, amino acid metabolism, cellular redox defence and epigenetic maintenance. At present, 1C metabolism is considered the hallmark of cancer. The 1C units obtained from the metabolic pathways increase the proliferation rate of cancer cells. In addition, anticancer drugs, such as methotrexate, which target 1C metabolism, have long been used in the clinic. In terms of immunotherapy, 1C metabolism has been used to explore biomarkers connected with immunotherapy response and immune-related adverse events in patients.MethodsWe collected numerous literatures to explain the roles of one-carbon metabolism in cancer immunotherapy.ResultsIn this review, we focus on the important pathways in 1C metabolism and the function of 1C metabolism enzymes in cancer immunotherapy. Then, we summarise the inhibitors acting on 1C metabolism and their potential application on cancer immunotherapy. Finally, we provide a viewpoint and conclusion regarding the opportunities and challenges of targeting 1C metabolism for cancer immunotherapy in clinical practicability in the future.ConclusionTargeting one-carbon metabolism is useful for cancer immunotherapy. 1. One carbon metabolism includes folate cycle, methionine cycle and transsulphuration pathway.2. One carbon metabolism affects tumour microenvironment and the expression of immune checkpoint.3. One carbon metabolism contributes to predict the prognosis of patients with immunotherapy and drug discovery. image