Immunology and Biotherapies

Dysfunctional T cells can render the immune system unable to eliminate infections and cancer. Therapeutic targeting of the surface receptors that inhibit T cell function has begun to show remarkable success in clinical trials. In this Review, we discuss the potential mechanisms of action of the clinical agents that target two of these receptors, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) and lymphocyte activation gene 3 protein (LAG3). We also suggest correlative studies that may define the predominant mechanisms of action and identify predictive biomarkers.

Via Krishan Maggon

AbstractWe have recently reported that LAG-3 (CD223) mediates the alternative, IFNα-deficient activation of pDCs at tumor sites. Our findings define a novel tumor-driven strategy that promotes immunosuppression by pDCs, and we have provided more detailed information regarding the immunomodulatory role of LAG-3. The translational relevance of our results for the treatment of tumors and autoimmune diseases is discussed herein.

Via Krishan Maggon