Hiding in the dark: pan-cancer characterization of expression and clinical relevance of CD40 to immune checkpoint blockade therapy

Mol Cancer. 2021 Nov 10;20(1):146. doi: 10.1186/s12943-021-01442-3.

Abstract

CD40 expression correlates with the type I anti-tumor response and better survival. Pan-cancer bioinformatics characterization reveals reduced CD40 expression in 11 cancer types, including RASmut melanoma compared to nevi. RAS mutation correlates with reduced CD40 expression in malignant melanoma. CD40 expression is associated with better response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy in melanoma.

Keywords: CD40; CTLA4; Cancer; Immune therapy; Melanoma; Nevi; PD-1/PD-L1; Targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CD40 Antigens / genetics*
  • CD40 Antigens / metabolism*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Disease Management
  • Disease Susceptibility*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic* / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Immune Checkpoint Proteins / genetics
  • Immune Checkpoint Proteins / metabolism
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CD40 Antigens
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Immune Checkpoint Proteins