# Metabolism of tumor infiltrating T cells

## TL;DR

Tumor-infiltrating T cells face metabolic challenges in nutrient-poor tumor environments, but can switch to alternative energy pathways to improve their function and survival.

## Contribution

The paper highlights how metabolic reprogramming of T cells can enhance their anti-tumor activity in solid tumors.

## Key findings

- Tumor-infiltrating T cells switch to oxidative phosphorylation to survive in low-glucose environments.
- Metabolic interventions in experimental models improved T cell function and slowed tumor progression.
- Clinical trials have tested strategies to alter tumor nutrient supply and T cell metabolism.

## Abstract

The microenvironment of solid tumor is commonly low in key nutrients such as glucose providing metabolic challenges for tumor infiltrating T lymphocytes (TIL), which upon activation switch to glycolysis to meet their need for energy and effector molecule production. Consequently, TIL become functionally impaired and die unless they can switch their metabolism to alternative pathways such as oxidative phosphorylation catabolizing lipids that are in ample supply within solid tumors. Medicinal interventions that alter the nutrient supply within tumors or that facilitate the TIL’s metabolic switch away from glycolysis have been tested in experimental animals and clinical trials. Some of them were shown to increase TIL functions, prolong their survival and enable them to slow tumor progression.