Title:Does each Component of Reactive Oxygen Species have a Dual Role in
the Tumor Microenvironment?
Volume: 31
Issue: 31
Author(s): Siyu Hao, Dan Cai, Shuang Gou, Yan Li, Lin Liu, Xiaolong Tang, Yu Chen, Yueshui Zhao, Jing Shen, Xu Wu, Mingxing Li, Meijuan Chen, Xiaobing Li, Yuhong Sun, Li Gu, Wanping Li, Fang Wang, Chi Hin Cho, Zhangang Xiao*Fukuan Du*
Affiliation:
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest
Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Sichuan Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest
Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Sichuan Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
Keywords:
ROS, tumor, microenvironment, molecule, metabolism, therapy.
Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a class of highly reactive oxidizing
molecules, including superoxide anion (O2
•−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), among
others. Moderate levels of ROS play a crucial role in regulating cellular signaling and
maintaining cellular functions. However, abnormal ROS levels or persistent oxidative
stress can lead to changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that favor cancer development.
This review provides an overview of ROS generation, structure, and properties,
as well as their effects on various components of the TME. Contrary to previous studies,
our findings reveal a dual effect of ROS on different components of the TME, whereby
ROS can either enhance or inhibit certain factors, ultimately leading to the promotion or
suppression of the TME. For example, H2O2 has dual effects on immune cells and non--
cellular components within the TME, while O2
•− has dual effects on T cells and fibroblasts.
Furthermore, each component demonstrates distinct mechanisms of action and
ranges of influence. In the final section of the article, we summarize the current clinical
applications of ROS in cancer treatment and identify certain limitations associated with
existing therapeutic approaches. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive
understanding of ROS, highlighting their dual effects on different components of the
TME, and exploring the potential clinical applications that may pave the way for future
treatment and prevention strategies.