Arginine Metabolism in Cancer Biology and Immunotherapy
DingYuan Bai, YuXuan Zhou, LingJie Jing, Cheng Guo, Quanjun Yang
Abstract
Arginine, a conditionally essential amino acid, orchestrates critical metabolic networks in cancer biology and immunotherapy. Abnormalities in arginine metabolism are associated with cancer initiation, progression and immune escape. Polyamines and nitric oxide are the key metabolites with multiple regulatory effects on cancer cell growth and immune cells by driving metabolic reprogramming and promoting immune evasion in cancer cells. Targeting key enzymes and transporters in arginine pathways, along with arginine deprivation therapy, shows promise in preclinical and clinical studies. This review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of arginine metabolism and evaluates its potential as a therapeutic target in cancer therapy. We specifically discuss the multifaceted roles of arginine and its metabolites in cancer progression, immune cell regulation, and immunotherapy, providing a theoretical foundation for its application in cancer prevention and treatment.