Glutamine reprogramming affects the tumor microenvironment and immune response in hepatocellular carcinoma

Glutamine, recognized as a conditionally essential amino acid, plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism and significantly impacts the tumor microenvironment. Recent studies show that glutamine metabolism directly influences the growth and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Recent research demonstrates that glutamine metabolism directly regulates the growth and survival of HCC cells. Additionally, it plays an instrumental role in the initiation and progression of HCC by modulating immune responses, maintaining redox balance, and facilitating metabolic reprogramming. Although current studies emphasize the diverse functions of glutamine within the HCC microenvironment, the specific mechanisms driving these processes remain not yet fully understood. This article aims to explore the metabolic pathways associated with glutamine in the context of the HCC microenvironment. It also evaluates the influence of glutamine on HCC progression and proposes future research avenues to facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for HCC management. The objective is to present novel therapeutic strategies and innovative approaches to effectively treat HCC.