N(6)-methyladenosine (m(6)A) RNA modification in tumor immunity

Growing evidence supports that cancer progression is closely associated with the tumor microenvironment and immune evasion. Importantly, recent studies have revealed the crucial roles of epigenetic regulators in shaping the tumor microenvironment and restoring immune recognition. N(6)-methyladenosine (m(6)A) modification, the most prevalent epigenetic modification of mammalian mRNAs, has essential functions in regulating the processing and metabolism of its targeted RNAs, and therefore affects various biological processes including tumorigenesis and progression. Recent studies have demonstrated the critical functions and molecular mechanisms underlying abnormal m(6)A modification in the regulation of tumor immunity. In this review, we summarize recent research progress in the potential roles of m(6)A modification in tumor immunoregulation, with a special focus on the anti-tumor processes of immune cells and involvement in immune-associated molecules and pathways. Furthermore, we review current knowledge regarding the close correlation between m(6)A-related risk signatures and the tumor immune microenvironment landscape, and we discuss the prognostic value and therapeutic efficacy of m(6)A regulators in a variety of cancer types.