Targeting HK3 in tumor-associated macrophages enhances antitumor immunity through augmenting antigen cross-presentation in cervical cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are among the most prevalent cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) of cervical cancer (CC). Although TAMs frequently exhibit an immunosuppressive phenotype, their plasticity enables them as an intriguing reprogrammable target for immunotherapy of CC.

Methods

Consensus clustering was employed to delineate immune infiltration patterns in a cohort of 119 patients with CC. Single-cell RNA sequencing, complemented by flow cytometry analysis, was used to characterize hexokinase 3 (HK3)-expressing cell populations. In vivo tumor models were established to assess the functional impact of HK3-expressing cells on the TME, with interventions including Hk3 knockout and CD8⁺ T-cell depletion. A comprehensive approac

SUBMITTER: Yang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12265828 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature