Madhusudhanan Sukumar

T lymphocytes are powerful immune cells that can destroy tumors, but cancers have developed tricks to evade killing. Vodnala et al. found that potassium ions in the tumor microenvironment serve a dual role of influencing T cell effector function and stemness (see the Perspective by Baixauli Celda et al.). Increased potassium impairs T cell metabolism and nutrient uptake, resulting in a starvation state known as autophagy.

Now available: purchase access to all research journal HTML articles for 6 or 24 hours. Click here to explore this opportunity. If you are a current subscriber with Society Membership or an Account Number, claim your access now. Purchase a subscription to gain access to this and all other articles in this journal.