A new aspect of an old friend: The beneficial effect of metformin on anti-tumor immunity

Kyeong Jin Kim, Wen Hao Yang, Youn Sang Jung, Jong Ho Cha

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

T-cell-based cancer immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-Tcells, have significant anti-tumor effects against certain types of cancer, providing a new paradigm for cancer treatment. However, the activity of tumor infiltrating T-cells (TILs) can be effectively neutralized in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of most solid tumors, rich in various immunosuppressive factors and cells. Therefore, to improve the clinical outcomes of established T-cell-based immunotherapy, adjuvants that can comprehensively relieve multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms of TME are needed. In this regard, recent studies have revealed that metformin has several beneficial effects on anti-tumor immunity. In this mini-review, we understand the immunosuppressive properties of TME and how metformin comprehensively enhances anti-tumor immunity. Finally, we will discuss this old friend’s potential as an adjuvant for cancer immunotherapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)512-520
Number of pages9
JournalBMB Reports
Volume53
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Adjuvant
  • Cancer immunotherapy
  • Cold tumor and tumor icroenvironment
  • Metformin

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology

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