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Leveraging epigenetics to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy

Jonathan D Licht1, Richard L Bennett2

  • 1Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Cancer Genetics Research Complex, University of Florida, 2033 Mowry Road, Box 103633, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.

Clinical Epigenetics
|May 18, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Epigenetic therapeutics can reprogram cancer cells to enhance immune recognition and antigen presentation. Targeting epigenetic mechanisms may overcome immune evasion and improve immunotherapy effectiveness in cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Epigenetic mechanisms control gene accessibility, and their dysregulation is frequent in cancer.
  • Epigenetic modifications are reversible, leading to the development of novel anticancer strategies.
  • Cancer mutations affecting epigenetic mechanisms can alter tumor immunogenicity and immunotherapy response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of epigenetic therapeutics in cancer immunotherapy.
  • To explore how epigenetic modifications influence tumor immune evasion and immunotherapy effectiveness.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current evidence on epigenetic therapeutics in cancer.
  • Analysis of the impact of epigenetic dysregulation on tumor immunogenicity and immunotherapy.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic therapeutics can deactivate immunosuppressive gene expression in tumors.
  • These therapies may reprogram tumor cells to enhance antigen presentation.
  • Epigenetic dysregulation in cancer can impact tumor immunogenicity and immunotherapy outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting epigenetic mechanisms offers a strategy to counter cancer immune evasion.
  • Epigenetic therapeutics hold promise for improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies.
Keywords:
DNA methylationEpigenetic therapyHistone methyltransferaseImmune evasionImmunotherapy

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