Epigenetic orchestration of cancer-immune dynamics: mechanisms, technologies, and clinical advancements

Abstract

Background

Epigenetic dysregulation plays a pivotal role in cancer immune evasion by orchestrating tumour antigen silencing, immune cell dysfunction, and the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. By disrupting successive phases of the cancer–immunity cycle—from antigen presentation to T cell exhaustion—these aberrations facilitate immune escape and tumour progression, highlighting the need for targeted epigenetic intervention.

Aim of review

This review systematically dissects how epigenetic alterations impair anti-tumour immunity at each stage of the CI cycle. It not only integrates fragmented mechanistic evidence but also emphasizes underexplored crosstalk between specific epigenetic regulators and immune cell types. It further highlights emerging technologies—such as single-cell epigenomics, spatial multi-omics, and CRISPR-based screens—that are driving discovery of novel therapeutic targets and refining patient stratification.Key scientific concepts of review.We discuss how epigenetic interventions, alone or in combination with immunotherapies, can reinvigorate immune responses and overcome resistance to current treatments. A particular focus is given to how integrative high-resolution platforms are mapping immunoepigenetic landscapes, enabling mechanism-informed, precision immunotherapy strategies. By bridging epigenetic regulation with translational immuno-oncology, this review outlines a future where epigenetic reprogramming becomes central to overcoming immune evasion in cancer.