Chimera and Tandem-Repeat Type Galectins: The New Targets for Cancer Immunotherapy

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Galectins are a family of 12 proteins in humans with diverse intracellular and extracellular functions.
• They critically influence the tumor microenvironment (TME) by modulating immune cell infiltration and function.
• Cancer cells can exploit the pro-tumorigenic activities of immune cells, highlighting the need for targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biological functions of human galectins, focusing on their roles in cancer immunity.
• To discuss the therapeutic potential of galectin inhibitors, such as GB1211 and LYT-200, in clinical trials.
• To explore the combined use of galectin inhibitors with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for enhanced anti-cancer effects.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of galectin functions in cancer immunology.
• Analysis of current clinical trial data for galectin inhibitors GB1211 and LYT-200.
• Discussion of downstream effects of galectin inhibition on various immune cell populations.

Main Results:

• Galectins modulate immune responses, affecting T cells, macrophages, and neutrophils within the TME.
• Galectin-3 and -9 inhibitors (GB1211, LYT-200) are advancing in clinical trials for cancer treatment.
• Inhibition of galectins demonstrates broad effects on immune cells, including enhancing cytotoxic T cell activity and reducing T cell exhaustion.

Conclusions:

• Galectins are key regulators of anti-tumor immunity, offering therapeutic targets.
• Galectin inhibitors represent a promising strategy, particularly in combination with ICIs.
• Further research into galectin biology and inhibitor limitations is crucial for optimizing clinical applications.