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Targeting of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily for cancer immunotherapy
1Department of Surgery, Translational Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand and cognate TNF receptor superfamilies constitute an important regulatory axis that is pivotal for immune homeostasis and correct execution of immune responses. TNF ligands and receptors are involved in diverse biological processes ranging from the selective induction of cell death in potentially dangerous and superfluous cells to providing costimulatory signals that help mount an effective immune response. This diverse and important regulatory role in immunity has sparked great interest in the development of TNFL/TNFR-targeted cancer immunotherapeutics. In this review, I will discuss the biology of the most prominent proapoptotic and co-stimulatory TNF ligands and review their current status in cancer immunotherapy.
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.
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