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CD47/SIRPα pathway mediates cancer immune escape and immunotherapy

Xiao Jia1,2, Bingjun Yan2, Xiaoqing Tian2

  • 1Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Wujin Hospital, Jiangsu University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, 213017, the People's Republic of China.

International Journal of Biological Sciences
|September 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The SIRPα-CD47 axis is a key innate immune checkpoint enabling cancer cells to evade immune surveillance. Blocking this interaction enhances cancer cell clearance and activates both innate and adaptive immune responses for effective immunotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Immunotherapy

Background:

  • Adaptive immune checkpoints like PD-1/PD-L1 are crucial in cancer immunotherapy.
  • Innate immune checkpoints, particularly the SIRPα/CD47 axis, are increasingly recognized for their role in cancer immune evasion.
  • High CD47 expression on cancer cells, regulated by transcription factors like NFκB, Myc, and HIF, promotes resistance to phagocytosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of SIRPα-CD47 axis-mediated cancer immune escape.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting the SIRPα-CD47 axis in cancer immunotherapy.
  • To highlight how SIRPα-CD47 blockade can activate both innate and adaptive antitumor immune responses.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on the SIRPα-CD47 axis in cancer.
  • Analysis of the role of CD47 expression and its regulation in various cancers.
  • Examination of the impact of SIRPα-CD47 interaction blockade on immune cells and anti-tumor responses.

Main Results:

  • The SIRPα-CD47 interaction inhibits phagocytosis by macrophages and dendritic cells, facilitating cancer cell immune escape.
  • Blockade of the CD47-SIRPα pathway enhances phagocytosis and promotes antigen cross-presentation by antigen-presenting cells.
  • This blockade can bridge innate and adaptive immunity, leading to T cell priming and a robust anti-tumor immune response.

Conclusions:

  • The SIRPα-CD47 axis represents a significant target for cancer immunotherapy.
  • Targeting this innate immune checkpoint offers a promising strategy to overcome immune evasion in cancer.
  • Activating innate immunity via CD47 blockade can synergistically enhance adaptive anti-tumor responses.
Keywords:
CD47SIRPαadaptive immune responsecancer immunotherapyimmune escapeinnate immune response

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