Targeting TIGIT for cancer immunotherapy: recent advances and future directions

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cancer Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• T cell immunoreceptor with ITIM domain (TIGIT) is a checkpoint molecule expressed on various immune cells, including T cells and NK cells.
• TIGIT is implicated in NK cell and T cell exhaustion, particularly in the context of cancer.
• CD155, the primary ligand for TIGIT, is involved in immune regulation and may influence immunotherapy responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current developments in TIGIT-targeted cancer immunotherapy.
• To discuss the characteristics and functions of TIGIT in cancer.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential and challenges of targeting the TIGIT/CD155 axis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on TIGIT in cancer immunotherapy.
• Analysis of TIGIT expression and function in various immune cells and cancer types.
• Examination of clinical trial data for TIGIT-targeting agents, including combination therapies.

Main Results:

• TIGIT plays a significant role in modulating immune cell function and exhaustion in cancer.
• The interaction between TIGIT and its ligand CD155 is a key focus for immunotherapy development.
• While some studies showed positive outcomes for TIGIT-targeted therapies, recent clinical trials, including those with tiragolumab, have reported failures.

Conclusions:

• TIGIT represents a promising target for cancer immunotherapy, but its clinical efficacy remains under investigation.
• The complex role of TIGIT and its ligand CD155 in the tumor microenvironment requires further elucidation.
• Combination strategies involving TIGIT blockade may offer potential, but careful patient selection and further research are essential.