RNA epigenetic modification for immune cell reprogramming and therapeutic translation

Epigenetic modifications contribute to maintaining cellular homeostasis and adapting to environmental changes. Recently, RNA modifications have garnered significant attention as a novel epigenetic regulatory mechanism, with their dynamic and reversible properties endowing cells with rapid responsiveness to microenvironmental alterations. RNA modifications establish intricate networks in the multi-level regulation of gene expression through precise control of RNA metabolism. Addressing critical challenges such as T cell exhaustion, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments, and therapeutic resistance, RNA modifications may enhance treatment efficacy by improving immune cell adaptability, optimizing CAR-T therapy targeting precision, and remodeling tumor microenvironments. The integration of gene editing tools provides technical support for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. This review systematically examines global research advances in RNA modification-mediated immune regulation, elaborating on the principal functions of RNA modifications and their regulatory effects on immune cells. Furthermore, we comprehensively summarize recent progress in leveraging RNA modifications to enhance immunotherapeutic approaches and identify novel therapeutic targets.