Targeting Ferroptosis for Cancer Immunotherapy: Molecular Mechanisms, Immune Microenvironment Crosstalk, and Clinical Translation Prospects

Abstract

Ferroptosis, a novel form of iron-dependent programmed cell death (PCD), has garnered extensive attention in the cancer research field in recent years. Through its unique iron-dependent regulatory mechanisms and dynamic crosstalk with the cancer immune microenvironment (CIME), ferroptosis has established a new research paradigm for cancer therapy. This review systematically clarifies the molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis, thoroughly explores its dual regulatory roles within the CIME, and elaborates on the reciprocal interactions between ferroptosis and immune cell functions. It also comprehensively discusses ferroptosis-based cancer immunotherapy strategies and their clinical translation prospects. By integrating the latest research advances, this work provides a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the clinical application of ferroptosis in cancer immunotherapy.