M6A methylation in tumor immune microenvironment: Multidimensional mechanism and targeted therapy strategies

N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification, a dynamic and reversible post-transcriptional RNA alteration, plays a critical role in the precise regulation of gene expression and is fundamentally implicated in the interplay between tumor cells and the immune system. This review focuses on the regulatory mechanisms of m⁶A methylation in tumor immunology. We examine how m⁶A modifications within tumor cells reprogram the tumor immune microenvironment by modulating immune checkpoints, canonical signaling pathways, and cytokine secretion, as well as directly regulating immune-related genes. Crucially, we also dissect how m⁶A modification within immune cells shapes the immune microenvironment. Furthermore, we propose novel therapeutic strategies combining m⁶A targeting with immunotherapy. Collectively, this review provides novel insights into the role of m⁶A methylation in tumor immunology and paves the way for future research directions.