Regulatory roles of LncRNAs in colorectal cancer immune evasion: current concepts and future perspectives

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health challenge, ranking as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality due to late-stage diagnosis and limited effective treatments. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of immune responses and potential therapeutic targets in CRC. LncRNAs modulate immune checkpoint pathways, influencing genes like programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and contributing to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Additionally, lncRNAs are implicated in the regulation of immune cells and immunological pathways, affecting the immune responses. With advancements in genomic technologies, the identification and functional characterization of lncRNAs are crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies. Their ability to serve as biomarkers for immunotherapy responses and their potential to enhance existing treatments underscore the need for continued research into lncRNA biology. A comprehensive understanding of lncRNA-mediated mechanisms is vital for improving outcomes and extending the benefits of immunotherapy for patients with CRC.