TOX-Related T-Cell Exhaustion as a Link Between Chronic Inflammation, Tumor Immunity, and Immunotherapy A Bibliometric and Mechanism-Oriented Review

Background

Chronic inflammation and persistent antigen stimulation reshape T-cell fate and contribute to immune dysfunction in cancer, chronic infection, and inflammatory liver disease. TOX ( TOX1 ) has emerged as a key transcriptional regulator linking these inflammatory contexts to T-cell exhaustion, immune checkpoint signaling, and immunotherapy response. However, existing reviews have mainly summarized molecular mechanisms and have not systematically connected the evolution of the field with its collaboration patterns, research hotspots, and emerging translational questions. A synthesis that combines bibliometric mapping with biological interpretation is needed to clarify how the field has evolved and where translational uncertainties remain.