ALOX5-AP in the Tumor Microenvironment

Eliana He Grade 12, Havergal College Sun Life Gene Medical Science Institute Cancer Research Program Student, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 

Abstract  The arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase–activating protein (ALOX5-AP) plays an essential role in leukotriene biosynthesis and is also known as a significant regulator in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Recent research has highlighted the ALOX5-AP as a key modulator of tumour progression through its regulation of leukotriene biosynthesis and inflammatory signaling pathways. In the TME, ALOX5-AP plays a double role in various cancers; ALOX5-AP positively contributes to prognosis and immunotherapies for osteosarcoma (OS) through utilizing CD8 T cells. On the other hand, it negatively impacts the TME in other cancers, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. Its immunosuppressive effects are a result of inflammation by initiating the function of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and M2 macrophages. This review synthesizes current findings on the molecular level, connecting the role of ALOX5-AP in tumour immune evasion, angiogenesis, and other processes. Furthermore, the therapeutic implications of targeting ALOX5-AP in various cancers, such as OS and AML, are explored. Overall, ALOX5-AP proves to be a promising biomarker target considering the current academic conversations regarding cancer immunology. Keywords: arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase–activating protein (ALOX5-AP), tumour microenvironment (TME), osteosarcoma (OS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML