Targeting of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily for cancer immunotherapy

Edwin Bremer1

  • 1Department of Surgery, Translational Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.

ISRN Oncology
|July 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligands and receptors are key regulators of immune responses, crucial for controlling cell death and immune activation. Their roles are being explored for developing novel cancer immunotherapies targeting these pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand and receptor superfamilies are critical for immune homeostasis and response regulation.
  • These molecules mediate diverse biological processes, including programmed cell death and immune costimulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biology of key proapoptotic and costimulatory TNF ligands.
  • To discuss the current status of TNF ligand/receptor-targeted cancer immunotherapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of prominent TNF ligands and their functions.
  • Analysis of current research and clinical applications of TNFL/TNFR-targeted cancer immunotherapy.

Main Results:

  • TNF ligands and receptors play pivotal roles in immune regulation, influencing cell death and immune activation.
  • Significant interest exists in leveraging these pathways for cancer immunotherapy development.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding TNF ligand and receptor biology is essential for advancing cancer immunotherapy.
  • Targeting the TNF axis offers promising strategies for novel cancer treatments.

Related Concept Videos

Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
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...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...