Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2021 | Review
Immunotherapies targeting stimulatory pathways and beyond
Authors:
Julian A. Marin-Acevedo, ErinMarie O. Kimbrough, Rami Manochakian, Yujie Zhao, Yanyan Lou
Published in:
Journal of Hematology & Oncology
|
Issue 1/2021
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Abstract
Co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules play a critical role in T cell function. Tumor cells escape immune surveillance by promoting immunosuppression. Immunotherapy targeting inhibitory molecules like anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 were developed to overcome these immunosuppressive effects. These agents have demonstrated remarkable, durable responses in a small subset of patients. The other mechanisms for enhancing anti-tumor activities are to target the stimulatory pathways that are expressed on T cells or other immune cells. In this review, we summarize current phase I/II clinical trials evaluating novel immunotherapies targeting stimulatory pathways and outline their advantages, limitations, and future directions.