Cancer's malignant remote control: How tumors reprogram liver fat metabolism to disarm immune cells
A study published in Cell Metabolism reveals that tumors can release particles that reprogram liver fat metabolism to suppress the immune system's CD8+ T cells. Researchers identified the MTDH gene as a key mediator in this process, suggesting a potential target for future cancer therapies.
Why it matters
This discovery provides a new understanding of how cancer acts as a systemic disease, potentially leading to more effective treatments that prevent tumors from shielding themselves from the immune system.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Graphical abstract. Credit: Cell Metabolism (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2026.08.003 In their quest to understand how cancers take root, grow and spread, scientists have for the past half-century explored the genetic aberrations and microenvironmental peculiarities of tumors and their constituent cells. Such studies continue to yield discoveries that are fueling a revolution in cancer therapy. Meanwhile, new technologies have in recent years enabled a more granular examination of how tumors interact biochemically with the rest of the body to support their own growth and survival.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in