T cell stemness and dysfunction in tumors are triggered by a common mechanism.

A summary is presented of an article published online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.aau0135 on the common mechanism that triggers dysfunction in tumors and T-cell stemness. It states that T-cells rely on consumption and uptake of extracellular nutrients to enable mTOR-driven anabolic growth and aerobic glycolysis. It comments on the possible impact that extracellular potassium in tumor interstitial fluid has on T-cell nutrient uptake and on T-cell antitumor capability and stemness.