The expression and immunoregulation of immune checkpoint molecule VISTA in autoimmune diseases and cancers

Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2020 Apr:52:1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.02.002. Epub 2020 Feb 5.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and immunotherapy have proven to be a transformative therapy for many forms of cancer treatment. While many antibodies targeting the PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 pathways have been approved for clinical use by the FDA, it is clear that a single ICI is not sufficient to eradicate disease. ICI combination strategies are being extensively investigated to advance cancer treatment to next curative stage. Among the immune checkpoint inhibitors being actively investigated, the potential of VISTA (V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation), a unique B7 family member that functions as both ligand and receptor, is being actively pursued. This article summarizes the expression and immunomodulatory effects of VISTA in autoimmune diseases and cancer, and assesses its potential as an additional component of immune checkpoint cancer therapy.

Keywords: Autoimmune diseases; Cancer immunotherapy; Combination therapy; Immune checkpoint inhibitor; VISTA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / genetics*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • B7 Antigens / genetics*
  • B7 Antigens / immunology
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Immunomodulation
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / immunology*

Substances

  • B7 Antigens
  • VSIR protein, human