Role of m6A modifications in immune evasion and immunotherapy

RNA modification has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its pivotal role in tumorigenesis and immune surveillance. N-6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) modification is the most prevalent RNA modification, which can affect the expression of RNA by methylating adenylate at the sixth N position to regulate the occurrence and development of tumors. Dysregulation of m(6)A affects the activation of cancer-promoting pathways, destroys immune cell function, maintains immunosuppressive microenvironment, and promotes tumor cell growth. In this review, we delve into the latest insights into how abnormalities in m(6)A modification in both tumor and immune cells orchestrate immune evasion through the activation of signaling pathways. Furthermore, we explore how dysregulated m(6)A modification in tumor cells influences immune cells, thereby regulating tumor immune evasion via interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Lastly, we highlight recent discoveries regarding specific inhibitors of m(6)A modulators and the encapsulation of m(6)A-targeting nanomaterials for cancer therapy, discussing their potential applications in immunotherapy.