ICAT drives lactylation of tumor-associated macrophages via the c-Myc-ENO1 axis to promote cervical cancer progression

The effectiveness of immunotherapy in cervical cancer (CC) is profoundly influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME), where a high infiltration of M2-type tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) correlates with poor therapeutic responses. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms driving M2-type TAM polarization and identifying novel therapeutic targets are essential for enhancing immunotherapy outcomes in CC. In this study, ICAT was revealed to be significantly upregulated in CC, correlating with poor prognosis. Mechanistically, ICAT facilitated the nuclear translocation of c-Myc, enhancing ENO1 transcription, thereby promoting glycolytic activity and lactate accumulation in the TME. Tumor-derived lactate induced H3K18 lactylation in TAMs, which in turn activated ARG1 expression, driving M2 polarization and establishing an immunosuppressive microenvironment that supports immune evasion. In summary, this study demonstrates that ICAT, by regulating the c-Myc-ENO1 axis, mediates the interaction between tumor cells and macrophages, thereby reshaping the TME and promoting the migration, invasion, and glycolysis of CC. These findings demonstrate that ICAT represents a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of CC.