# Epigenetic Reprogramming of Erythroid Progenitor Cells: Insights for Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy

**Authors:** Zi-Zhan Li, Xuan-Yu Su, Cheng-Ke Zhou, Su-Ran Li, Zhi-Jun Sun

PMC · DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.127543 · International Journal of Biological Sciences · 2026-01-22

## TL;DR

This paper explores how epigenetic changes in erythroid progenitor cells affect cancer immunotherapy resistance and suggests ways to improve treatment outcomes.

## Contribution

The paper introduces insights into epigenetic reprogramming of erythroid progenitor cells as a novel mechanism influencing cancer immunotherapy resistance.

## Key findings

- Epigenetic reprogramming of erythroid progenitor cells contributes to tumor immune evasion.
- Targeting epigenetic modifications in erythroid progenitor cells may enhance immunotherapy efficacy.
- Future research should focus on reversing pathological epigenetic changes in these cells.

## Abstract

Cancer immunotherapy has markedly improved clinical outcomes for cancer patients. However, its broad application is constrained by low response rates, which limit therapeutic benefits to only a subset of individuals. A deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the interactions between tumor and immune cells is crucial for overcoming resistance. In this context, the reprogramming of erythroid progenitor cells (EPCs) within the TME has emerged as an important mechanism of immunotherapy resistance. EPCs, a key population in erythroid differentiation, undergo epigenetic reprogramming that underlies various physiological and pathological states. Through epigenetic modifications, EPCs may interact with immune cells and thereby promote tumor immune evasion. This review summarizes EPC reprogramming in the TME from an epigenetic perspective and explores their crosstalk with tumor and immune cells. It also evaluates the therapeutic potential of epigenetic drugs targeting EPCs and discusses future research directions focused on reversing pathological epigenetic reprogramming in EPCs to enhance immunotherapy efficacy. These advances hold significant potential for optimizing clinical cancer care paradigms and improving patient prognosis.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** cancer (MONDO:0004992)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Cancer (MESH:D009369)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12905634/full.md

## References

108 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12905634/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12905634