Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
Tractable In Vivo Reprogramming of Tumor Cells to Type 1 Conventional Dendritic Cell-like Cells
Published on: August 1, 2025
Exploiting CTLA-4, PD-1 and PD-L1 to reactivate the host immune response against cancer
1Cancer Immunology Unit, Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Abstract:
The past few years have witnessed something of a renaissance in the field of cancer immunotherapy, relating largely to the clinical advances that have been associated with the development of monoclonal antibodies targeting the immune inhibitory co-receptors CTLA-4 and PD-1 and to the pursuit of genetically modified antigen-redirected adoptive T-cell therapies. These advances are based on a more substantial understanding of the factors restricting effective immune therapies that has been derived from the study of pre-clinical models of tumour growth in immune competent mice. Just as the recognition of the importance of positive co-stimulatory signaling has been instrumental to recent advances in the development of genetically modified antigen-specific adoptive cellular therapies, an increasing awareness of the ability of tumours to subvert multiple immune inhibitory pathways, effectively blunting the development or expansion of any anti-tumour immunity, is fostering the development of novel therapies that appear active as monotherapies but may achieve their greatest impact in combinatorial regimens. This mini-review will focus on attempts to target co-inhibitory members of the immunoglobulin superfamily.
Insights
Cancer immunotherapy has advanced with new antibody therapies targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1. Research now focuses on overcoming tumor immune evasion by targeting inhibitory pathways for better combination treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Cancer immunotherapy has seen significant progress, particularly with monoclonal antibodies targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1).
- Advances are informed by preclinical models of tumor growth in immunocompetent mice, enhancing understanding of immune therapy limitations.
- Tumors can evade immune responses by subverting multiple inhibitory pathways, hindering anti-tumor immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy.
- To focus on strategies targeting co-inhibitory members of the immunoglobulin superfamily.
- To explore novel therapeutic approaches for overcoming tumor-induced immune suppression.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical advances in cancer immunotherapy.
- Analysis of preclinical models of tumor growth.
- Focus on targeting immune inhibitory co-receptors like CTLA-4 and PD-1.
- Exploration of genetically modified antigen-redirected adoptive T-cell therapies.
Main Results:
- Monoclonal antibodies targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 have shown clinical success.
- Understanding tumor immune evasion mechanisms is crucial for developing effective therapies.
- Novel therapies targeting inhibitory pathways are emerging, showing promise as monotherapies and in combination regimens.
Conclusions:
- Targeting co-inhibitory immunoglobulin superfamily members represents a promising therapeutic strategy.
- Combination regimens may enhance the impact of novel immunotherapies.
- Further research into overcoming tumor immune evasion is essential for advancing cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
01:27Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...