The current development status of artificial intelligence virtual cells and their application prospects in tumor research

Huang Wei; Shi Hanping

doi:10.16689/j.cnki.cn11-9349/r.2026.01.003

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Electronic Journal of Metabolism and Nutrition of Cancer ›› 2026, Vol. 13 ›› Issue (1) : 13-19. DOI: 10.16689/j.cnki.cn11-9349/r.2026.01.003

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The current development status of artificial intelligence virtual cells and their application prospects in tumor research

¹Huang Wei, ^1,2Shi Hanping

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Abstract

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence and single-cell technology, artificial intelligence virtual cells, relying on their "mechanism + data" integrated modeling capabilities, have become a key tool to break through the challenges of complexity and heterogeneity in tumor research. This article systematically reviews the theoretical basis, current development status and application prospects in tumor research of artificial intelligence virtual cells. At the theoretical level, artificial intelligence virtual cells are based on the biological foundation of the hierarchical association of "molecules-pathways-cells-microenvironment", combined with artificial intelligence algorithms such as generative models, graph neural networks, and Transformers, to achieve cross-level integration from molecular mechanisms to tissue functions through multi-scale modeling. In terms of technological progress, artificial intelligence virtual cells have achieved multi-omics data integration, spatial data fusion, and the construction of a "modeling-visualization-deployment" tool chain. In tumor research, artificial intelligence virtual cells can analyze metabolic reprogramming and immune escape mechanisms, accelerate high-throughput screening of anti-tumor drugs and optimization of combination regimens, and promote clinical transformation through patient-specific models and virtual clinical trials. At present, artificial intelligence virtual cells are confronted with challenges such as model generalization, data standardization, algorithm interpretability, and high demand for computing resources. In the future, it is necessary to further promote their application in precision diagnosis and treatment of tumors by establishing multi-center standardized datasets, developing interpretable artificial intelligence algorithms, and optimizing model architectures.

Key words

Artificial intelligence / Virtual cell / Tumor research / Multi-omics data / Multi-scale modeling / Precision tumor treatment / Clinical transformation / Digital twin

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Huang Wei, Shi Hanping. The current development status of artificial intelligence virtual cells and their application prospects in tumor research[J]. Electronic Journal of Metabolism and Nutrition of Cancer. 2026, 13(1): 13-19 https://doi.org/10.16689/j.cnki.cn11-9349/r.2026.01.003

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