Lipidomic-Based Advances in Diagnosis and Modulation of Immune Response to Cancer

Abstract

While immunotherapies for diverse types of cancer are effective in many cases, relapse is still a lingering problem. Like tumor cells, activated immune cells have an anabolic metabolic profile, relying on glycolysis and the increased uptake and synthesis of fatty acids. In contrast, immature antigen-presenting cells, as well as anergic and exhausted T-cells have a catabolic metabolic profile that uses oxidative phosphorylation to provide energy for cellular processes. One goal for enhancing current immunotherapies is to identify metabolic pathways supporting the immune response to tumor antigens. A robust cell expansion and an active modulation via immune checkpoints and cytokine release are required for effective immunity. Lipids, as one of the main components of the cell membrane, are the key regulators of cell signaling and proliferation. Therefore, lipid metabolism reprogramming may impact proliferation and generate dysfunctional immune cells promoting tumor growth. Based on lipid-driven signatures, the discrimination between responsiveness and tolerance to tumor cells will support the development of accurate biomarkers and the identification of potential therapeutic targets. These findings may improve existing immunotherapies and ultimately prevent immune escape in patients for whom existing treatments have failed.

Green Design of Novel Starch-Based Packaging Materials Sustaining Human and Environmental Health

“…They are important structural constituents, and fuel molecules providing the necessary energy for health promotion and supporting immunity (especially omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid), [110]. It is worth mentioning that activated immune cells have an anabolic metabolic profile, involving increased uptake and synthesis of fatty acids [111]. Fatty acids (FAs) are essential sources of energy and fundamental structural components of cells; they are hydrocarbon structures, and can be classified according to saturation degree, such as: saturated (which do not have a double bond), monounsaturated (one double bond, MUFAs) or polyunsaturated (two or more double bonds, PUFAs) fatty acids [112,113].…”

“…Lipids are hydrophobic or amphipathic biomolecule, their addition to the starch films and starch-based composites improves the water barrier properties. Moreover, lipids interplay with immune regulation, providing energy to T-cells but may also regulate T-cell function by an immune checkpoint such as PD-1 [111].…”

Metabolic Classification and Intervention Opportunities for Tumor Energy Dysfunction

“…Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) act as signaling molecules for immune processes in numerous inflammatory diseases and in solid and hematological tumors [ 37 , 41 ]. Furthermore, recent studies have recognized the important role of PUFAs in tumor response to immunotherapy [ 29 ].…”

Anthracyclins Increase PUFAs: Potential Implications in ER Stress and Cell Death

“…The sensitivity is conditioned by the mechanism of cell death induced by anthracyclins, which depends on the cell type and drug concentration [ 10 ]. Consequently, understanding this interplay in anthracyclin/lipidome/cell death might open the possibility to: (i) improve diagnosis by biomarkers of the tumor resistance to anthracyclins [ 11 , 12 ], and (ii) propose novel treatments that may potentiate and/or complement the metabolic transformations caused by anthracyclins to induce cell-death.…”