Glycolysis inhibition in cancer cells has long been recognized as a viable strategy to prevent cancer cell growth. Cancer cells are known to have a high glucose consumption rate as a metabolism adaptation mechanism called the Warburg effect. Activated immune cells also rely on glycolysis for their energy needs. For example, glycolysis is essential for dendritic cells (DCs) to get activated and generate tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), which helps prime T cells against melanoma tumors for recognition and their eventual elimination. However, blocking glycolysis in cancer cells while simultaneously allowing glycolysis to occur in DCs is a major challenge in immunometabolism and cancer immunotherapy. Thus, there is a need for novel technologies which selectively block glycolysis in cancer cells and simultaneously enable glycolysis in non-cancer cells.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a dual strategy to bolster immune responses against tumors where glycolysis is inhibited in cancer cells using PFK15, while simultaneously glycolysis and function is rescued in dendritic cells (DCs) by delivery of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (F16BP) encapsulated in microparticles. These microparticles are phagocytosed by DCs, promoting glycolysis within the cells, which is essential for their function in immune responses.
Potential Applications
- Cancer treatment and immunotherapy
- Dendritic cell-based vaccines
Benefits and Advantages
- Enhances the efficacy of DC-based vaccines
- Targets cancer cell metabolism while supporting immune cell energy needs
- Induces stronger anti-tumor responses
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