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Immune checkpoint blockade in infectious diseases
Michelle N Wykes1, Sharon R Lewin2,3
1QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia.
Nature Reviews. Immunology
|October 10, 2017
Summary
Immune checkpoint molecules like PD1 and CTLA4 are upregulated in infections, hindering pathogen clearance. Targeting these pathways, successful in cancer, shows promise for treating infectious diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Immune checkpoint molecules (programmed cell death protein 1 - PD1, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 - CTLA4) are upregulated during acute and chronic infections (e.g., malaria, HIV, hepatitis B).
- These pathways regulate immune responses, preventing self-damage but potentially limiting pathogen clearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of immune checkpoint pathways in infectious disease pathogenesis.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting these pathways for infectious diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of immune checkpoint pathways in infectious diseases.
- Analysis of immune checkpoint blockade success in cancer therapy.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies for infectious diseases.
Main Results:
- Immune checkpoints play a dual role in infections: protecting hosts but impairing pathogen elimination.
- Immune checkpoint blockade is a validated therapeutic strategy in oncology.
Conclusions:
- Targeting immune checkpoints offers a promising therapeutic avenue for managing and treating various infectious diseases.
- Further research into immune checkpoint modulation in infectious disease is warranted.
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