Oxysterols in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME).

Oxysterols are compounds generated through oxidative reactions involving cholesterol and other steroid molecules. They play a crucial role in the tumor immune microenvironment by interacting with molecules such as the cell membrane receptor EBI2 and nuclear receptors like LXR and PXR. This interaction regulates immune cell signaling pathways, affecting proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in tumor-related processes. Activating these receptors alters the function and behavior of immune cells—such as macrophages, T cells, and dendritic cells—within the tumor microenvironment, thus promoting or inhibiting tumor development. Certain oxidized steroids can increase both the number and activation of infiltrating T cells, synergizing with anti-PD-1 to enhance anti-tumor efficacy. An in-depth study of the biological mechanisms of oxidized sterols will not only enhance our understanding of the complexity of the tumor immune microenvironment but may also reveal new therapeutic targets, providing innovative strategies for tumor immunotherapy. • The article summarizes that oxysterols modify the tumor immune microenvironment by binding to different receptors. • The article summarises how oxysterols can activate immune cells or promote immune cell migration leading to tumourigenesis by binding to the LXR receptor. • The article concludes that the binding of oxysterols to EBI2 alters the distribution of immune cells in tumor tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]