Arachidonic acid metabolism in tumor immune microenvironment remodeling

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2026.04.012

Abstract

Abstract:

The tumor microenvironment (TME) constitutes a pivotal component in tumorigenesis and progression, with its inherent complexity and dynamic nature playing a central role in metastatic dissemination. Arachidonic acid (AA), a key polyunsaturated fatty acid, produces metabolites that not only orchestrate inflammatory responses and maintain tissue homeostasis but also profoundly influence tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic response within the TME by modulating the distribution, polarization, activation, and functional states of immune cells. Recent studies have revealed that these lipid mediators act on diverse immune cell types via distinct receptor pathways, thereby remodeling the immune microenvironment and impacting immune evasion and therapeutic resistance. Despite accumulating insights, the precise mechanisms by which AA metabolism reprograms the TME and contributes to tumor development remain incompletely understood. This review systematically elaborates on the molecular interplay between AA metabolites and major immune cells, outlines their functional characteristics in tumor immune regulation, focuses on the key roles of related metabolic pathways in TME remodeling, and summarizes the research advances and applications of AA metabolism-targeting strategies in tumor immunotherapy. An in-depth understanding of the dynamic crosstalk between AA metabolism and the immune system may provide a conceptual framework for the development of more precise and personalized immunotherapeutic interventions.

Key words: arachidonic acid metabolism, tumor microenvironment (TME), immune cell

CLC Number:

R392.1

Miao Keyan, Jia Hao, Yang Xi. Arachidonic acid metabolism in tumor immune microenvironment remodeling[J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science), 2026, 46(4): 521-528.

Figures/Tables 1

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References 52

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