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Published on: October 20, 2023
Siglec receptors as new immune checkpoints in cancer
Michal A Stanczak1, Heinz Läubli2
1The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
Abstract:
Cancer immunotherapy in the form of immune checkpoint inhibitors and cellular therapies has improved the treatment and prognosis of many patients. Nevertheless, most cancers are still resistant to currently approved cancer immunotherapies. New approaches and rational combinations are needed to overcome these resistances. There is emerging evidence that Siglec receptors could be regarded as new immune checkpoints and targets for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the experimental evidence supporting Siglec receptors as new immune checkpoints in cancer and discuss their mechanisms of action, as well as current efforts to target Siglec receptors and their interactions with sialoglycan Siglec-ligands.
Insights
Siglec receptors show promise as novel immune checkpoints for cancer immunotherapy, offering new targets to overcome resistance to current treatments and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and cellular therapies, has advanced treatment but faces resistance in many cancers.
- Overcoming resistance necessitates novel therapeutic strategies and rational combination approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging evidence positioning Siglec receptors as novel immune checkpoints in cancer.
- To discuss the mechanisms of action of Siglec receptors in cancer immunology.
- To summarize current strategies targeting Siglec receptors and their sialoglycan ligands.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental evidence.
- Analysis of Siglec receptor function in cancer.
- Examination of therapeutic targeting strategies.
Main Results:
- Growing evidence supports Siglec receptors as critical regulators of anti-cancer immunity.
- Siglec receptors and their sialoglycan ligands represent potential targets for modulating immune responses in cancer.
Conclusions:
- Siglec receptors are emerging as promising new targets for cancer immunotherapy.
- Targeting Siglec receptors may offer a strategy to overcome resistance to existing immunotherapies.
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