From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Immunoproteasomes Could Revolutionize Immunotherapies

The immunoproteasome (iCP), a specialized isoform of the constitutive proteasome that is often expressed or upregulated in diseased cells, has quickly become an attractive drug target. With the iCP playing a major role in the generation of MHC-I compatible peptides, there is an increased interest in understanding how this isoform can be used as a biomarker or in combination with other therapies to improve treatment outcomes for cancer, autoimmune disorders, and inflammation. Here, we explore the current immunotherapy strategies and how the iCP can be used as an indicator of their efficacy, and how it could be harnessed to develop novel treatments. The iCP is quickly becoming an exciting target that has the potential to play a major role in the generation of new immunotherapies.