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The role of neoantigens in response to immune checkpoint blockade
Nadeem Riaz1, Luc Morris2, Jonathan J Havel3
1Department of Radiation Oncology.
Abstract:
Immune checkpoint blockade has demonstrated substantial promise for the treatment of several advanced malignancies. These agents activate the immune system to attack tumor cells. For example, agents targeting CTLA4 and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) have resulted in impressive response rates and, in some cases, durable remissions. Neoantigens are mutations that encode immunologically active proteins that can cause the immune system to recognize the affected cell as foreign. Recent data have made it clear that these mutations are, in large part, the functional targets of immune checkpoint blockade. This review summarizes the key discoveries leading up to this important conclusion and discusses possible applications of neoantigens in cancer therapy.
Insights
Immune checkpoint blockade therapies, targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1, show promise in treating advanced cancers. Neoantigens, or tumor-specific mutations, are key targets driving these effective immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Immune checkpoint blockade therapies, including those targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1, have shown significant efficacy in treating advanced malignancies.
- These immunotherapies enhance the host immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the discoveries linking neoantigens to the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of neoantigens in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of key studies on immune checkpoint inhibitors and neoantigens.
- Analysis of data demonstrating the role of neoantigens as targets for immune response.
Main Results:
- Immune checkpoint blockade agents targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 have led to notable response rates and durable remissions in cancer patients.
- Neoantigens, arising from tumor-specific mutations, are increasingly recognized as the primary targets of these immune checkpoint blockade therapies.
Conclusions:
- Neoantigens are crucial functional targets of current immune checkpoint blockade treatments.
- Understanding neoantigens opens new avenues for developing personalized cancer immunotherapies.
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