MKL-1 suppresses ferroptosis by activating system Xc- and increasing glutathione synthesis

Exploiting cell death and tumor immunity in cancer therapy: challenges and future directions

Cancer remains a significant global challenge, with escalating incidence rates and a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Herein, we present an in-depth exploration of the intricate interplay between cancer cell death pathways and tumor immunity within the tumor microenvironment (TME). We begin by elucidating the epidemiological landscape of cancer, highlighting its pervasive impact on premature mortality and the pronounced burden in regions such as Asia and Africa. Our analysis centers on the pivotal concept of immunogenic cell death (ICD), whereby cancer cells succumbing to specific stimuli undergo a transformation that elicits robust anti-tumor immune responses. We scrutinize the mechanisms underpinning ICD induction, emphasizing the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) as key triggers for dendritic cell (DC) activation and subsequent T cell priming. Moreover, we explore the contributions of non-apoptotic RCD pathways, including necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis, to tumor immunity within the TME. Emerging evidence suggests that these alternative cell death modalities possess immunogenic properties and can synergize with conventional treatments to bolster anti-tumor immune responses. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic implications of targeting the TME for cancer treatment, highlighting strategies to harness immunogenic cell death and manipulate non-apoptotic cell death pathways for therapeutic benefit. By elucidating the intricate crosstalk between cancer cell death and immune modulation within the TME, this review aims to pave the way for the development of novel cancer therapies that exploit the interplay between cell death mechanisms and tumor immunity and overcome Challenges in the Development and implementation of Novel Therapies.

Extracellular vesicle-mediated ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis: potential clinical applications in cancer therapy

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained increasing recognition as significant regulators of intercellular communication in various physiological and pathological processes. These vesicles play a pivotal role in cancer progression by facilitating the transfer of diverse cargoes, including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Regulated cell death (RCD), the orderly and autonomous death of cells, is controlled by a variety of biomacromolecules and, in turn, influences various biological processes and cancer progression. Recent studies have demonstrated that EV cargoes regulate diverse oncogenes and tumor suppressors to mediate different nonapoptotic forms of RCD, notably ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis. Nevertheless, comprehensive exploration of EV-mediated nonapoptotic RCD forms in the context of cancer has not been performed. This review summarizes the progress regarding the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of EVs in mediating nonapoptotic RCD by delivery of cargoes to regulate tumor progression. Additionally, the review delves into the potential clinical applications of EV-mediated cell death and its significance in the areas of cancer diagnosis and therapy.