Review article

Regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment by cancer-derived circular RNAs

Liping GuanInstitutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, ChinaQian HaoDepartment of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, ChinaFenfen ShiSchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, ChinaBo GaoDepartment of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, ChinaMengxin WangInstitutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, ChinaXiang ZhouDepartment of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, ChinaTao HanInstitutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, ChinaWenjie RenInstitutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China

2023en

ABI

Abstract

Abstract Circular RNA (circRNAs) is a covalently closed circular non-coding RNA formed by reverse back-splicing from precursor messenger RNA. It is found widely in eukaryotic cells and can be released to the surrounding environment and captured by other cell types. This, circRNAs serve as connections between different cell types for the mediation of multiple signaling pathways. CircRNAs reshape the tumor microenvironment (TME), a key factor involved in all stages of cancer development, by regulating epithelial-stromal transformation, tumor vascularization, immune cell function, and inflammatory responses. Immune cells are the most abundant cellular TME components, and they have profound toxicity to cancer cells. This review summarizes circRNA regulation of immune cells, including T cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages; highlights the impact of circRNAs on tumor progression, treatment, and prognosis; and indicates new targets for tumor immunotherapy.

Identifiers

DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05647-w

Citations and references

Cited by 20 references

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