B7-H3: An Attractive Target for Antibody-based Immunotherapy

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• B7-H3 is a B7 ligand family member overexpressed in numerous solid tumors, making it an attractive immunotherapy target.
• While B7-H3 expression is limited in normal tissues, it is prevalent in malignant cells, correlating with poor prognosis.
• B7-H3 exhibits both immunologic and non-immunologic protumorigenic functions, including immune suppression and promotion of cancer cell invasion and chemoresistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of B7-H3 as a target for antibody-based cancer immunotherapy.
• To discuss current antibody-based strategies targeting B7-H3 and their preclinical and clinical progress.
• To highlight the importance of identifying the B7-H3 receptor for developing novel blocking antibodies.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical studies and clinical trial data on B7-H3-targeting antibody therapies.
• Analysis of B7-H3 expression patterns in various cancer types and normal tissues.
• Examination of the known immunologic and non-immunologic functions of B7-H3 in cancer.

Main Results:

• Antibody-based strategies targeting B7-H3 have demonstrated significant antitumor activity and favorable safety profiles in preclinical models.
• Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating the safety and efficacy of these B7-H3-targeting antibodies in cancer patients.
• Despite limited emphasis on B7-H3-blocking antibodies due to an unknown receptor, current strategies show therapeutic promise.

Conclusions:

• B7-H3 is a highly relevant target for antibody-based immunotherapy across a broad spectrum of cancers.
• Current antibody-based approaches targeting B7-H3 are progressing through clinical trials, showing promising results.
• Identifying the B7-H3 receptor is crucial for advancing the development of blocking antibodies and enhancing immunotherapeutic efficacy.