Creatine uptake enhances antitumor immunity
The gist
Studies report creatine uptake boosts dendritic cells and killer T cells against tumors.
The contradiction matters to cancer patients and supplement users weighing immune benefits against a preclinical safety signal.
How it unfolded
- 2019Di Biase S et al. published 'Creatine uptake regulates CD8 T cell antitumor immunity' in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.
- 2025Studies in Cancer Res and Cell Reports described creatine uptake suppressing ERK2-FSP1 signaling and inducing ferroptosis in colorectal cancer, and reprogramming metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma.
- 2026A study in iScience found creatine uptake helps power dendritic cells.