登上Cell Metabolism封面：广州大学×江南大学×同济大学合作揭示饮食抗癌新策略

Core Viewpoint - The study highlights the role of the metabolite Xylulose 5-phosphate (Xu5P) in enhancing the sustained antitumor activity of SLC35E2+ exhausted CD8+ T effector cells, suggesting dietary interventions as a potential treatment for metastatic cancer [3][8]. Group 1: Research Findings - Xu5P promotes the sustained antitumor activity of SLC35E2+ CD8+ exhausted precursor T cells, and its supplementation or consumption of Xu5P-rich foods can synergize with anti-PD-1 therapy to significantly enhance antitumor immune responses [3][7]. - The study identifies Xylulose kinase (XYLB) as a tumor suppressor that generates Xu5P, which enhances the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells and inhibits tumor colonization in the lungs [6][8]. - Clinical data indicate that elevated levels of XYLB or increased Xu5P in the blood correlate with enhanced CD8+ T cell efficacy and reduced tumor metastasis [7][8]. Group 2: Mechanism of Action - CD8+ T cells express SLC35E2, which is essential for the transport of Xu5P, thereby maintaining energy/redox homeostasis through the pentose phosphate pathway and glycolysis [7][8]. - Xu5P promotes the generation of SLC35E2+ CD8+ exhausted precursor T cells by mediating TET3-driven DNA demethylation of the Tcf7 promoter, enhancing CD8+ T cell responses [7][8]. - Supplementation with Xu5P or dietary plans rich in Xu5P shows synergistic effects with anti-PD-1 therapy, significantly boosting antitumor immune responses [6][8].