A perspective on HPK1 as a novel immuno-oncology drug target

Elife. 2020 Sep 8:9:e55122. doi: 10.7554/eLife.55122.

Abstract

In this perspective review, the role Hematopoietic Progenitor Kinase 1 (HPK1) in tumor immunity will be reviewed, with special emphasis on how T cells are negatively-regulated at different junctures of cancer-immunity cycle by this regulatory kinase. The review will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of HPK1 as a candidate target for novel immuno-oncology (IO) drug development that is centered on the use of small molecule kinase inhibitor to modulate the immune response against cancer. Such a therapeutic approach, if proven successful, could supplement the cancer cell-centric standard of care therapies in order to fully meet the therapeutic needs of cancer patients.

Keywords: cancer biology; immunology; immunotherapy; inflammation; negative regulator of immune response; tumor immunity.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Immunity*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases