The immune system plays a complex role in
tumor formation and development. On the one hand, immune surveillance can inhibit the growth of
tumors; on the other hand, immune evasion of
tumors can create conditions conducive for
tumor development and growth.
CircRNAs are endogenous non-coding RNAs with a covalently closed loop structure that are abundantly expressed in eukaryotic organisms. They are characterized by stable structure, rich diversity, and high evolutionary conservation. In particular,
circRNAs play a vital role in the occurrence, development, and treatment of
tumors through their unique functions. Recently, the incidence and mortality of digestive
cancers, especially those of
gastric cancer,
colorectal cancer, and
liver cancer, have remained high. However, the functions of
circRNAs in digestive
cancers immunity are less known. The relationship between
circRNAs and digestive
tumor immunity is systematically discussed in our paper for the first time.
CircRNA can influence the immune microenvironment of gastrointestinal
tumors to promote their occurrence and development by acting as a
miRNA molecular sponge, interacting with
proteins, and regulating selective splicing. The
circRNA vaccine even provides a new idea for
tumor immunotherapy. Future studies should be focused on the location, transportation, and degradation mechanisms of
circRNA in living cells and the relationship between
circRNA and
tumor immunity. This paper provides a new idea for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal
tumors.