MicroRNA-targeted reprogramming of CD8+ T cells against cancer.
This scoping review highlights the critical role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in mediating the bidirectional crosstalk between CD8+ T cells and tumor cells within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Specific miRNAs (e.g., miR-155, miR-340-5p) orchestrate CD8+ T cell function by fine-tuning immune checkpoints (PD-1/PD-L1), metabolic reprogramming, and epigenetic states. Conversely, CD8+ T cells influence tumor behavior via exosomal miRNA transfer (e.g., miR-765). Our analysis reveals both pan-cancer mechanisms, such as PD-1/PD-L1 regulation, and tissue-specific miRNA functions (e.g., miR-143 in melanoma). To overcome translational challenges like off-target effects, innovative delivery strategies using lipid nanoparticles and engineered exosomes are being developed. This review provides a mechanistic framework for miRNA-mediated interactions, offers clinical insights for novel combination therapies, and assesses future directions, thereby advancing the development of precision immunotherapies.
Authors
Mao Mao, Liu Liu, Jing Jing, Shao Shao, Yang Yang, Wu Wu, Zhou Zhou, Wang Wang, Fang Fang
View on Pubmed