Folate-targeted immunotherapies: Passive and active strategies for cancer

Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2019 Feb:45:45-52. doi: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2019.02.001. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Abstract

The glycoprotein FRα is a membrane-attached transport protein that is shielded from the immune system in healthy cells. However, it is upregulated in various malignancies, involved in cancer development and is also immunogenic. Furthermore, FRα is a tumor-associated antigen endowed with unique properties, thus rendering it a suitable target for immunotherapeutic development in cancer. Various anti- FRα immunotherapeutic strategies are thus currently being developed and clinically assessed for the treatment of various solid tumors. These approaches include passive anti-FRα immunotherapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, or active immunotherapies, such as CART, folate haptens and vaccines. In this review, we will explore the advances in the field of FRα-based immune therapies and discuss both their successes and shortcomings in the clinical setting.

Keywords: Folate receptor; Immune therapy; Solid cancers; Targeted therapy; Vaccines.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Folate Receptor 1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Folate Receptor 1 / immunology
  • Folate Receptors, GPI-Anchored / genetics
  • Folate Receptors, GPI-Anchored / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / immunology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Folate Receptor 1
  • Folate Receptors, GPI-Anchored