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MIF and CD74 as Emerging Biomarkers for Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy
Rosalyn M Fey1, Rebecca A Nichols1, Thuy T Tran2
1Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
Abstract:
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is used to treat a wide range of cancers; however, some patients are at risk of developing treatment resistance and/or immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Thus, there is a great need for the identification of reliable predictive biomarkers for response and toxicity. The cytokine MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) and its cognate receptor CD74 are intimately connected with cancer progression and have previously been proposed as prognostic biomarkers for patient outcome in various cancers, including solid tumors such as malignant melanoma. Here, we assess their potential as predictive biomarkers for response to ICB therapy and irAE development. We provide a brief overview of their function and roles in the context of cancer and autoimmune disease. We also review the evidence showing that MIF and CD74 may be of use as predictive biomarkers of patient response to ICB therapy and irAE development. We also highlight that careful consideration is required when assessing the potential of serum MIF levels as a biomarker due to its reported circadian expression in human plasma. Finally, we suggest future directions for the establishment of MIF and CD74 as predictive biomarkers for ICB therapy and irAE development to guide further research in this field.
Insights
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and CD74 show promise as biomarkers to predict patient response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy and the development of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Further research is needed to validate their clinical utility.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is a cornerstone in cancer treatment but faces challenges with treatment resistance and immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
- Identifying reliable predictive biomarkers for ICB response and toxicity is crucial for personalized cancer care.
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and its receptor CD74 are implicated in cancer progression and immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of MIF and CD74 as predictive biomarkers for ICB therapy response.
- To assess their utility in predicting the development of irAEs.
- To review existing evidence and suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of MIF and CD74 roles in cancer and autoimmune diseases.
- Analysis of evidence supporting their potential as predictive biomarkers for ICB therapy and irAEs.
- Consideration of factors affecting biomarker assessment, such as MIF's circadian expression.
Main Results:
- MIF and CD74 have demonstrated associations with cancer progression and patient outcomes.
- Emerging evidence suggests MIF and CD74 may predict response to ICB therapy.
- These molecules also show potential in predicting irAE development.
Conclusions:
- MIF and CD74 represent promising candidates for predictive biomarkers in ICB therapy.
- Further research is warranted to establish their role in guiding treatment decisions and managing toxicity.
- Understanding MIF's circadian rhythm is important for accurate biomarker interpretation.
