Metabolic reprogramming and immunity in cancer

Abstract Metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells and immune cells plays an important role in tumor immune escape and cancer progression. On the one hand, the different levels of metabolism of glucose, lipid, amino acids, and nucleotides suggest that the host uses distinct nutrients and energy to support the diverse functions of different cell lineages. On the other hand, many metabolites have biological functions and play an important role in the process of tumorigenesis, development, metastasis, and drug resistance. This chapter introduces the following aspects: metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells and immune cells; the regulatory roles of glucose, lipids, amino acids, and mitochondrial metabolism in tumor immunotherapy; and the influences of symbiotic microorganisms on host immune system and cancer. In addition, we propose the potential metabolic targets in cancer immunotherapy.