Metformin Boosts Immune Power of CD8 T-Cells, Offering Hope for Cancer and Viral Therapies
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 01, 2025 2 hours, 42 minutes ago
Medical News: A Common Diabetes Drug Shows New Promise
A groundbreaking review by researchers from the College of Pharmacy and the Research Institute of Cell Culture at Yeungnam University in Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea, reveals how the diabetes drug metformin can power up the body’s immune soldiers—CD8+ T cells—to fight cancer, chronic infections, and inflammatory diseases more effectively. The study highlights how this decades-old medication, widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes, could serve as a low-cost yet powerful add-on to modern immunotherapies. This
Medical News report shows that metformin, long known for balancing blood sugar, also acts as a metabolic reprogrammer that helps T cells regain strength and persistence against diseases that typically weaken the immune system.
Metformin Boosts Immune Power of CD8 T-Cells, Offering Hope for Cancer and Viral Therapies
Reprogramming Immune Cells to Fight Back
CD8+ T cells, sometimes called “killer cells,” are essential in destroying infected or cancerous cells. However, in chronic diseases or tumors, these cells often become “exhausted” due to nutrient deprivation, lack of oxygen, and constant exposure to suppressive signals. The Yeungnam University researchers discovered that metformin helps restore energy and vitality to these worn-out immune cells. It does this by activating a key energy-sensing enzyme called AMPK, improving mitochondrial health, and shifting the cells’ metabolism from sugar-burning to fat-burning modes. This shift enables T cells to survive longer, function more efficiently, and resist hostile tumor environments. The review also explains that metformin promotes the formation of long-lived “memory T cells,” which remember past infections and react faster during future attacks.
Enhancing Immunotherapy Outcomes
The study points out that combining metformin with cancer immunotherapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1 or CTLA-4 blockers) and CAR-T cell treatments has shown improved results in both preclinical and clinical studies. Patients with cancers such as melanoma, lung, and kidney cancer experienced higher response rates and better survival outcomes when metformin was added to their treatment plans. The drug also seems to make tumors less hostile by improving oxygen levels and reducing harmful molecules like reactive oxygen species. In viral infections including hepatitis, HIV, and even COVID-19, metformin helps rejuvenate exhausted immune cells, enhancing antiviral defense and reducing inflammation.
Potential Beyond Cancer and Infections
Beyond fighting cancer and viruses, metformin also shows potential in calming excessive immune activity in autoimmune diseases and obesity-linked inflammation. By slowing down overactive T cells and reducing inflammatory cytokines, metformin could help prevent tissue damage and chronic inflammation. Animal studies have shown it can delay diabetes onset and reduce multiple sclerosis–like symptoms by rebalancing the immune response. This dual ab
ility—to energize weak immune cells while calming hyperactive ones—makes metformin a versatile and promising immunometabolic modulator.
Cautions and Future Directions
The authors caution that metformin’s effects depend on the patient’s metabolic condition, dose, and timing. While low doses can enhance immune strength, excessive use might suppress some T cell functions. Further human trials are needed to determine the best combination strategies for cancer and viral immunotherapies. Still, its long history of safe use, affordability, and accessibility make metformin a highly attractive option to enhance modern treatments.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Pharmacological Research.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661825004402
For the latest research in the field of immunology, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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