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Cancer Cells Steal Mitochondria, Evade Immune Defense

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A study published in Cell Metabolism reports that cancer cells can acquire mitochondria from immune cells.
Researchers at Stanford University observed cancer cells implanted in mice take up mitochondria from immune cells, regardless of implantation site.
The mitochondrial theft weakens immune cells and activates a molecular pathway in cancer cells that may help them evade the immune system and invade lymph nodes, independent of the mitochondria's energy production capabilities.

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Story summary

A study published in Cell Metabolism reports that cancer cells can acquire mitochondria from immune cells.
Researchers at Stanford University observed cancer cells implanted in mice take up mitochondria from immune cells, regardless of implantation site.
The mitochondrial theft weakens immune cells and activates a molecular pathway in cancer cells that may help them evade the immune system and invade lymph nodes, independent of the mitochondria's energy production capabilities.