Advances in methionine metabolism for the remodeling of the tumor metabolic-immune microenvironment

VernacularTitle:甲硫氨酸代谢重塑肿瘤代谢-免疫微环境的研究进展
Author: Yao HUANG ¹ ; Zhen CHEN ; Hongxi WU
Author Information

1. 中国药科大学药学院, 南京 211198
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: methionine metabolism; T cell depletion; tumor cells; metabolic-immune microenvironment; metabolic therapy with methionine
From: Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(3):280-286
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Tumor metabolic reprogramming and immune escape synergistically promote tumor progression, in which methionine (Met) metabolism plays a key role through epigenetic regulation and immune microenvironment remodelling. This paper systematically summarzes the mechanisms by which aberrant Met metabolism leads to “methionine addiction” and maintains the malignant phenotype of tumor cells, and describes its multiple modulations of the immune system: inducing T-cell depletion, promoting the polarization of M2-type macrophages, inhibiting the activity of NK cells, and enhancing the function of tumor-associated fibroblasts. Furthermore, therapeutic strategies targeting Met metabolism, including methionine-restricted diets, metabolic enzyme (MAT2A, NNMT) inhibitors, and epigenetic targets (PRMT5 inhibitors), are explored to provide theoretical reference for the development of Met-targeted therapies.