Role of m6A modifications in immune evasion and immunotherapy

Abstract

RNA modification has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its pivotal role in tumorigenesis and immune surveillance. N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification is the most prevalent RNA modification, which can affect the expression of RNA by methylating adenylate at the sixth N position to regulate the occurrence and development of tumors. Dysregulation of m⁶A affects the activation of cancer-promoting pathways, destroys immune cell function, maintains immunosuppressive microenvironment, and promotes tumor cell growth. In this review, we delve into the latest insights into how abnormalities in m⁶A modification in both tumor and immune cells orchestrate immune evasion through the activation of signaling pathways. Furthermore, we explore how dysregulated m⁶A modification in tumor cells influences immune cells, thereby regulating tumor immune evasion via interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Lastly, we highlight recent discoveries regarding specific inhibitors of m⁶A modulators and the encapsulation of m⁶A-targeting nanomaterials for cancer therapy, discussing their potential applications in immunotherapy.