Figure 3. Overview on the role of LDs in regulating cancer progression.

Tumour cells import FFAs from the extracellular space and adipocyte. Subsequently, these can be stored into LDs to prevent the accumulation of ROS or degraded through β-oxidation to promote tumour growth and metastasis. LD accumulation is also triggered from ER stress to alleviate stress. In dendritic cells (DCs), accumulation of LDs dysregulates antigen presentation of tumour-associated antigens which may inhibit immune response. In parallel, LD-localised prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) might be secreted causing immunosuppression. In tumour cells, PGE₂ promotes cell proliferation and cell survival. COX-2, cyclooxygenase-2.