Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2025
Isolation and Characterization of Tumor-initiating Cells from Sarcoma Patient-derived Xenografts
Published on: June 13, 2019
LLT1-CD161 Interaction in Cancer: Promises and Challenges
Veronique M Braud1, Aïda Meghraoui-Kheddar1, Roxane Elaldi1
1Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR7275, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Valbonne, France.
Abstract:
The success of immune checkpoint therapy in cancer has changed our way of thinking, promoting the design of future cancer treatments that places the immune system at the center stage. The knowledge gained on immune regulation and tolerance helped the identification of promising new clinical immune targets. Among them, the lectin-like transcript 1 (LLT1) is the ligand of CD161 (NKR-P1A) receptor expressed on natural killer cells and T cells. LLT1/CD161 interaction modulates immune responses but the exact nature of the signals delivered is still partially resolved. Investigation on the role of LLT1/CD161 interaction has been hampered by the lack of functional homologues in animal models. Also, some studies have been misled by the use of non-specific reagents. Recent studies and meta-analyses of single cell data are bringing new insights into the function of LLT1 and CD161 in human pathology and notably in cancer. The advances made on the characterization of the tumor microenvironment prompt us to integrate LLT1/CD161 interaction into the equation. This review recapitulates the key findings on the expression profile of LLT1 and CD161, their regulation, the role of their interaction in cancer development, and the relevance of targeting LLT1/CD161 interaction.
Insights
Immune checkpoint therapy highlights the immune system
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Immune checkpoint therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, emphasizing the immune system's role.
- Understanding immune regulation and tolerance has identified new therapeutic targets.
- Lectin-like transcript 1 (LLT1) and its receptor CD161 (NKR-P1A) are key players in immune modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of LLT1/CD161 interactions in cancer.
- To explore the expression, regulation, and functional roles of LLT1 and CD161.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of targeting the LLT1/CD161 pathway.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recent studies and meta-analyses of single-cell data.
- Review of literature on LLT1 and CD161 expression, regulation, and function.
- Integration of findings within the context of the tumor microenvironment.
Main Results:
- LLT1/CD161 interaction modulates immune responses, though signaling details are still being elucidated.
- Challenges in studying LLT1/CD161 include lack of animal models and reagent specificity.
- Recent data provide new insights into LLT1/CD161 roles in human cancers.
Conclusions:
- LLT1/CD161 interaction is a significant factor in cancer development.
- Targeting LLT1/CD161 represents a promising strategy for future cancer therapies.
- Further research is needed to fully resolve the signaling mechanisms and therapeutic applications.
More Related Videos
09:53Using X-ray Crystallography, Biophysics, and Functional Assays to Determine the Mechanisms Governing T-cell Receptor Recognition of Cancer Antigens
Published on: February 6, 2017
10:29Semi-automatic PD-L1 Characterization and Enumeration of Circulating Tumor Cells from Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients by Immunofluorescence
Published on: August 14, 2019
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:39lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy