Hideki IKEDA Assistant Professor

Hideki IKEDA
Assistant Professor

Researchmap

• Chiba University Institute for Advanced Academic Research / Graduate School of Medicine

• Keywords

  CTumor microenvironment, mitochondria, metabolism、cancer immunology, lung cancer

• Professional Memberships

  The Japanese Cancer Association、Japanese Society of Medical Oncology、The Japan Lung Cancer Society、The Japanese Respiratory Society、The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine

Research Theme

Elucidating the Cancer Immune Evasion Mechanism Orchestrated by Cancer-Derived Mitochondria

Abstract

Cancer cells regulate the metabolism of the tumor microenvironment (TME) through various mechanisms, preventing the infiltration and activation of immune cells, such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) that attack the cancer cells themselves. As a novel mechanism, I reported that abnormal mitochondria in cancer cells transfer into TILs, suppressing TIL function and impairing the anti-tumor immune response (Ikeda H, et al. Nature 2025). While cancer cells exploit reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by mitochondria to establish a microenvironment conducive to their survival, excessive ROS production has also been documented to negatively impact tumor growth. Thus, further investigation is warranted to delineate the multifaceted roles of mitochondria in cancer progression.

As a pulmonologist specializing in the treatment of thoracic malignancies, I recognize that these tumors exhibit metabolic adaptations to a distinct microenvironment characterized by heightened oxidative stress in the TME, setting them apart from other cancer types. This suggests that precise regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and ROS homeostasis may be particularly pivotal for the progression and therapeutic response of thoracic malignancies. In light of these TME characteristics, my research is focused on identifying key regulatory factors influencing mitochondrial function, elucidating resistance mechanisms to standard therapies, including immunotherapy, and advancing the development of innovative therapeutic strategies targeting these metabolic pathways.