Radiation-Induced Immune Responses from the Tumor Microenvironment to Systemic Immunity
Shaun Png, Sirimuvva Tadepalli, Edward E. Graves
Abstract
Radiotherapy remains a central component of cancer therapy that induces DNA damage and cancer cell death. Beyond its cytotoxic effects, radiotherapy acts as a potent immunomodulator by releasing immunogenic molecules, inflammatory mediators, and neoantigens that shape anti-tumor immunity. Radiation-induced immune responses can have opposing effects, including immune activation or immunosuppression that dictate local tumor responses. Increasing evidence suggests these immunologic effects are not confined to the site of irradiation, as radiation exposure to surrounding normal tissue can trigger systemic immune signaling that affects local tumor progression as well as metastatic spread. This review examines radiotherapy-induced immune responses across three interconnected contexts: (i) tumor-intrinsic signaling during radiation; (ii) tumor microenvironmental changes where innate and adaptive immune responses alter local outcomes; and (iii) systemic and off-target effects contributing to broader immune remodeling. A comprehensive understanding of radiotherapy-induced immune responses will guide therapeutic strategies to enhance its immunological potential while minimizing unintended immune and off-target effects.