The role of FOXM1 in tumor immunology: implications for cancer treatment strategies.

Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) is a pivotal member of the forkhead box family of transcription factors, characterized by its marked overexpression in a wide range of human malignancies and its critical role in driving tumor progression through the regulation of cancer cell proliferation and invasion, making it an attractive target for anti-cancer therapy. However, comprehensive reviews detailing the role of FOXM1 in regulating tumor immunity are still lacking. In this review, we summarize the multiple roles of FOXM1 in regulating tumor immunity and assess its potential as a therapeutic target. FOXM1 plays a crucial role in regulating the tumor immune microenvironment by modulating immune checkpoints, influencing macrophage polarization, and affecting T cell differentiation and infiltration. Furthermore, FOXM1 also plays a regulatory role in key immune-related signaling pathways, including signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and interferon stimulated gene (STING). Furthermore, the potential of targeting FOXM1 to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapies is discussed, with particular emphasis on overcoming challenges related to immune evasion, neurotoxicity, and therapeutic resistance. This review also summarizes the current landscape of FOXM1-targeted drug development and application, including small molecule inhibitors, peptide-based therapeutics, and combination treatment strategies, highlighting the promising clinical prospects of FOXM1 as a novel and multifaceted target in cancer therapy.