Signaling Dynamics Regulating Crosstalks between T-Cell Activation and Immune Checkpoints

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) have been hailed as major advances in cancer therapeutics; however, in many cancers response rates remain low. Extensive research efforts are underway to improve the efficacy of ICIs. The signaling pathways regulated by immune checkpoints (ICs) may be an important lever as they interfere with T-cell activation when activated by ICIs. Here, we review the current understanding of T-cell receptor signaling and their intersection with IC signaling pathways. As these signaling processes are highly dynamic and controlled by intricate spatiotemporal mechanisms, we focus on aspects of kinetic regulation that are modulated by ICs. Recent advances in computational modeling and experimental methods that can resolve spatiotemporal dynamics provide insights that reveal molecular mechanisms and new potential approaches for improving the design and application of ICIs.

Keywords: T-cell receptor signaling; immune checkpoint signaling; immunotherapy; network dynamics; tumor microenvironment.