Fig. 3

Aspects of glucose metabolism that may serve as therapeutic targets. A Cancer patients have successfully used immune-based interventions, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, to treat a variety of cancers. Low glucose, acidity and lactic acid in tumor microenvironment lead to enhanced expression of checkpoint receptors. In turn, this results in reduced glycosis and increased FAO, therefore causing immunosuppression. Immunotherapy targeted at these checkpoint receptors has been successful in restoring glycolysis to immune cells, which promotes anti-tumor immunity against tumors. B In the TME, increasing lactate promotes the survival of immune suppressive T cells and restraing the function of T effector. Lactate accumulation can be reduced by inhibiting lactate-producing enzymes, inhibiting lactate transporters or neutralizing acid-induced by lactic acid. These strategies have been proven effective in improving anti-tumor immunity. Figure created using BioRender.com