Editorial: Factors determining long term anti-tumor responses to immune checkpoint blockade therapy
Year: 2022
Type: editorial
Abstract: Factors determining long term anti-tumor responses to immune checkpoint blockade therapyLandmark studies performed in animal models more than twenty years ago revealed that the anti-tumour activity of T cells could be enhanced by blocking inhibitory signals arising from cell surface receptors now collectively termed immune checkpoints (1-3).This led to the development of therapeutic antibodies targeting these molecules, their clinical trials and to the approval of agents targeting CTLA-4, PD-1 and its ligand, PD-L1 (3-5).These agents have revolutionised treatment of several cancers and are under investigation for their value in the treatment of many others.Two pioneers of this field, immunologists James Allison and Tasuku Honjo, were awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology (4, 5).Using antibodies to treat cancer is not new.Antibodies targeting CD20 expression on B cell malignancies (Rituximab and its derivatives) and HER2 in breast cancer (Trastuzumab) have been approved for clinical use since the late 1990s.However, the antibody-mediated targeting of immune checkpoints represents a paradigm shift in cancer treatment.Along with agents targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), these treatments target components of the tumour microenvironment rather than direct targeting of the tumour cells.This strategy reflects our changing view of cancer and the way in which it is studied and treated (6, 7).Attention is no longer confined to just the malignant cells, but now extends to all components of the tumour microenvironment and beyond (for example, the effects of co-morbidities and the microbiome).Numerous cell types are under investigation for their contribution to tumour progression and, hence, for their potential as drug targets; immune checkpoint blockade is a success story resulting from such endeavours.
Source: Frontiers in Immunology
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,950
OpenAlex ID: W4313470152