miRNAs Related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Response: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy, yet response rates remain suboptimal.
• Tumor cells can evade immune surveillance, contributing to resistance against ICIs.
• Non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in tumor immune evasion and may influence ICI treatment outcomes.

Approach:

• A systematic literature analysis was conducted to identify miRNAs with a direct link to ICI treatment response.
• The review focused on evaluating the clinical utility of these specific miRNAs.
• The identified miRNAs were categorized based on their relationship with ICI response, modulation by ICIs, or involvement in immune-related adverse events (irAEs).

Key Points:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in modulating tumor immune evasion.
• Specific miRNAs directly influence patient response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
• Certain miRNAs are modulated by ICIs or contribute to ICIs-induced toxicity and immune-related adverse events (irAEs).

Conclusions:

• MicroRNAs represent a promising area for developing novel biomarkers for predicting ICI treatment response.
• Targeting specific miRNAs could potentially overcome resistance mechanisms to ICIs.
• Understanding the role of miRNAs in irAEs may lead to improved management strategies for cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.