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Novel Targets of Immune Inhibitory and Stimulatory Co-signals

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Immunotherapy of Cancer

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Abstract

Great success of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has changed a landscape of cancer immunotherapy. Currently, there is no doubt about an importance of immune checkpoint molecules as one of the most promising targets in anticancer drugs. Thus, identification and characterization of novel checkpoint molecules other than CTLA-4 and PD-1 is a highly anticipated research subject. In addition, agonists of stimulatory co-signal molecules have a capability of enhancing antitumor immunity, rendering them attractive in anticancer drug development. From this perspective, this chapter introduces LAG-3, TIM-3, BTLA, 4-1BB, OX-40, and GITR, as representatives of potential targets which have been explored in cancer immunotherapy. Functions of these molecules in T cell immunity and antitumor effects in preclinical animal models as well as clinical trials, if available, are described here.

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  1. Department of Immunology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan

    Koji Tamada

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Correspondence to Koji Tamada .

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  1. Department of Clinical Oncology, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan

    Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi

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Tamada, K. (2016). Novel Targets of Immune Inhibitory and Stimulatory Co-signals. In: Yamaguchi, Y. (eds) Immunotherapy of Cancer. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-55031-0_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-55031-0_20

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