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Published on: November 2, 2018
Targeting the NF-κB pathway as a potential regulator of immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy
Nasim Ebrahimi1, Al-Hasnawi Rasool Riyadh Abdulwahid2, Atena Mansouri3
1Genetics Division, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
Abstract:
Advances in cancer immunotherapy over the last decade have led to the development of several agents that affect immune checkpoints. Inhibitory receptors expressed on T cells that negatively regulate the immune response include cytotoxic T‑lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), which have been studied more than similar receptors. Inhibition of these proteins and other immune checkpoints can stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells, and prevent the tumor from escaping the immune response. However, the administration of anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 antibodies has been associated with adverse inflammatory responses similar to autoimmune diseases. The current review discussed the role of the NF-κB pathway as a tumor promoter, and how it can govern inflammatory responses and affect various immune checkpoints. More precise knowledge about the communication between immune checkpoints and NF-κB pathways could increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy and reduce the adverse effects of checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Insights
Cancer immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors like PD1 and CTLA4 can cause autoimmune side effects. Understanding the NF-κB pathway
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer immunotherapy has advanced with agents targeting immune checkpoints, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1).
- Inhibiting these checkpoints can enhance the immune response against cancer but is linked to inflammatory adverse effects resembling autoimmune diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway in tumor promotion.
- To explore how NF-κB influences inflammatory responses and immune checkpoints in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on immune checkpoints and the NF-κB pathway in cancer.
Main Results:
- The NF-κB pathway acts as a tumor promoter and regulates inflammatory responses.
- NF-κB signaling impacts the function and expression of various immune checkpoints.
Conclusions:
- Elucidating the interplay between immune checkpoints and the NF-κB pathway is crucial.
- This knowledge may improve cancer immunotherapy efficacy and mitigate adverse effects of checkpoint inhibitors.
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