journal article·2026-01Open access

Single‐Cell Transcriptome Atlas Reveals the Underlying Mechanism of Kynurenic Acid in the Regulation of Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Glioblastoma

Di Chen, Liming Sun, Jiajun Chen, Zi Ye, Xuqiang Zhu, Hongjiang Li, Lixin Wu, Guohua Zhao, Qinghao Zhang, Guangyi Jiang, Yuchen Ji, Yake Xue, Hongwei Li, Ruokun Chen, Hongwei Zheng, Rong Zeng, Dongming Yan, Yong Zhang, Xueyuan Li, Jing Yan

Advanced Science· Volume 13· Issue 5

Abstract

Abstract Tryptophan metabolism plays a critical role in glioblastoma (GBM), however, the regulatory functions of kynurenic acid (KYNA) in this context remain poorly understood. Using an in‐house clinical cohort, targeted metabolomic analysis revealed significantly downregulated KYNA levels in GBM tissues compared to non‐tumor brain tissues. Further investigation demonstrated that KYNA administration markedly reduced tumor burden in an orthotopic GBM mouse model. Through integrated cytometry by time‐of‐fight (CyTOF), single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq), proteome, and flow cytometry analyses, this study delineated the alterative tumor immune landscape following KYNA treatment. Specifically, KYNA remodeled the immunosuppressive myeloid compartment within the GBM microenvironment. Additionally, KYNA reversed T cell exhaustion signatures, enhanced cytotoxic function, thereby augmented anti‐tumor T cell responses. Notably, the anti‐tumor effects of KYNA are abrogated in T cell‐deficient mouse models (nude and Rag2‐/‐), confirming its dependence on adaptive immunity. In summary, this study highlights the therapeutic potential of KYNA in GBM and provides a comprehensive, multi‐omics‐based understanding of its immunomodulatory mechanisms.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Tryptophan and brain disorders · Immune cells in cancer · Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Neurosurgery The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou Henan 450052 China

Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center Shanghai Tech University Shanghai 201210 China

Department of Human Resources The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou Henan 450052 China

Department of Scientific Research The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou Henan 450052 China

Department of MRI The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou Henan 450052 China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · China Postdoctoral Science Foundation · Henan Medical Science and Technique Foundation

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