Copper Homeostasis and Copper-Induced Cell Death in Tumor Immunity: Implications for Therapeutic Strategies in Cancer Immunotherapy

Author Type(s)

Student

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2024

DOI

10.1186/s40364-024-00677-8

Journal Title

Biomarker Research

Keywords

Cancer immunotherapy, Copper homeostasis, Copper metabolism, Cuproptosis

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Copper is an important trace element for maintaining key biological functions such as cellular respiration, nerve conduction, and antioxidant defense. Maintaining copper homeostasis is critical for human health, and its imbalance has been linked to various diseases, especially cancer. Cuproptosis, a novel mechanism of copper-induced cell death, provides new therapeutic opportunities for metal ion regulation to interact with cell fate. This review provides insights into the complex mechanisms of copper metabolism, the molecular basis of cuproptosis, and its association with cancer development. We assess the role of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) associated with tumorigenesis, their importance as prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets, and the impact of copper homeostasis on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune response. Ultimately, this review highlights the complex interplay between copper, cuproptosis, and cancer immunotherapy.

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