Aptamers Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 Axis: A Perspective.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Aptamers are nucleic acid or peptide molecules that can bind to a specific target molecule.
• They are increasingly explored as alternatives to antibodies in various biological applications.
• Immune checkpoints, such as PD-1 and PD-L1, are critical targets in immuno-oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of aptamer development for targeting immune checkpoint modulators PD-1 and PD-L1.
• To discuss the potential of aptamers in immuno-oncology and related therapeutic strategies.
• To explore analogous aptamer strategies for other immune-related targets.

Main Methods:

• Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) is the primary method for aptamer identification.
• Modifications to the SELEX process can be employed for specific aptamer applications.
• Delivery strategies are being investigated to manage aptamers' limited plasma stability.

Main Results:

• Aptamers demonstrate high affinity binding to diverse targets, including proteins like PD-1 and PD-L1.
• Aptamers can effectively block PD-1/PD-L1 interactions, representing a promising avenue for immuno-oncology.
• Aptamers are applicable in both therapeutic interventions and novel assay technologies.

Conclusions:

• Aptamers represent a significant advancement in immuno-oncology, offering a versatile alternative to traditional therapeutics.
• Further research into aptamer stability and delivery is crucial for clinical translation.
• The potential applications of aptamers extend beyond PD-1/PD-L1 to other immune-related targets, broadening their therapeutic scope.