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Published on: November 12, 2019
Modulation of GITR for cancer immunotherapy
David A Schaer1, Judith T Murphy, Jedd D Wolchok
1Swim Across America Laboratory, Immunology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA.
Current Opinion in Immunology
|January 17, 2012
Summary
Targeting glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR) with agonist antibodies shows promise for cancer immunotherapy. This review covers preclinical research and clinical trials exploring GITR as a novel anti-tumor therapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Immune checkpoint modulation is a key strategy in cancer immunotherapy.
- CTLA-4 blockade has been FDA-approved, validating immune checkpoint inhibition.
- Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR) is a target within the TNF receptor superfamily.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical research on GITR-targeted cancer therapy.
- To discuss the rationale for clinical trials involving GITR agonists.
- To highlight GITR as a novel immunotherapeutic target for cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies on GITR modulation.
- Analysis of the scientific rationale for targeting GITR.
- Overview of ongoing Phase 1 clinical trials for GITR-based cancer immunotherapy.
Main Results:
- Preclinical data suggest GITR targeting by agonist antibodies or ligand is effective against tumors.
- GITR modulation activates anti-tumor immune responses.
- Two Phase 1 clinical trials have been initiated to evaluate GITR-targeted cancer therapy.
Conclusions:
- Targeting GITR represents a promising new avenue for cancer immunotherapy.
- Further clinical investigation is warranted to establish GITR's therapeutic potential.
- GITR agonists offer a novel approach to enhance anti-tumor immunity.
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