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.

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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