Interaction of PVR/PVRL2 with TIGIT/DNAM-1 as a novel immune checkpoint axis and therapeutic target in cancer

Mamm Genome. 2018 Dec;29(11-12):694-702. doi: 10.1007/s00335-018-9770-7. Epub 2018 Aug 21.

Abstract

Avoiding immune surveillance and inducing a tumor-promoting inflammatory milieu found entry into the new generation of the hallmarks of cancer. Cancer cells hijack immune mechanisms which physiologically protect the body from the development of autoimmune diseases and excessive tissue damage during inflammation by downregulating immune responses. This is frequently achieved by upregulation of immune checkpoints. Therefore, the blocking of immune checkpoint ligand-receptor interactions can reinstall the immune systems capability to fight cancer cells as shown for CTLA4 and PD-1 inhibitors in a clinical setting. Newly described checkpoint antigens are currently under investigation in cancer immunotherapy. Preclinical data emphasize the immune checkpoint axis TIGIT-PVR/PVRL2 as very promising target. This axis includes additional receptors such as DNAM-1, CD96, and CD112R. In this review, we discuss the recent findings of the relevance of this complex receptor ligand system in hematologic and solid cancers. Emphasis is also laid on the discussion of potential combinations with other immunotherapeutic approaches.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD / genetics
  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / genetics
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / immunology
  • CTLA-4 Antigen / genetics
  • CTLA-4 Antigen / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Nectins / genetics
  • Nectins / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / immunology
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / immunology
  • Receptors, Immunologic / genetics*
  • Receptors, Immunologic / immunology
  • Receptors, Virus / genetics*
  • Receptors, Virus / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte
  • CD226 antigen
  • CD96 antigen
  • CTLA-4 Antigen
  • CTLA4 protein, human
  • NECTIN2 protein, human
  • Nectins
  • PDCD1 protein, human
  • PVRIG protein, human
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, Virus
  • TIGIT protein, human
  • poliovirus receptor