The Diverse Roles of Lipid Metabolism Reprogramming in Shaping the Tumor Immune Microenvironment

Lipid metabolism reprogramming modulates the tumor microenvironment (TME) and alters the function of immune cells, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). Although lipids can enhance general T-cell activity, high lipid content in the TME may restrain the antitumor function of effector T cells and augment immunosuppression by regulatory T cells. In addition, lipid metabolism reprogramming greatly influences the cross-talk between TILs and other immune cells in the TME, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. By discussing potential therapeutic strategies to target lipid metabolism in TILs, along with combination approaches with chemo-immunotherapy, nanomedicine, and adoptive cell transfer therapy, we aim to lay the groundwork for advancing effective treatments for patients with cancer.