Cancer Immunotherapy: Focus on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Immune Modulators
A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 18 May 2025 | Viewed by 1386
Special Issue Editor
Interests: PD-1; PD-L1; CTLA-4; immune checkpoint molecule; immune checkpoint inhibitor; tumor microenvironment; biomarker; bispecific T-cell engager; bispecific DC-T cell engager
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as anti-PD-1 antibodies, disrupt interactions between immune checkpoint molecules and their ligands, thereby restoring T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity against tumor cells. ICIs are extensively employed in the treatment of various cancers, offering significant therapeutic benefits to patients. However, their efficacy is often limited, with some patients exhibiting resistance due to alternative immune evasion mechanisms. Additionally, current biomarkers for ICI-mediated therapy, including microsatellite instability and PD-L1 expression levels in tumors and lymphocytes, are insufficient for accurately predicting therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, addressing these limitations is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of ICIs in cancer treatment.
Emerging approaches, such as bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) and combination therapies involving cytotoxic agents and ICIs, such as antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), have led to remarkable improvements in efficacy. In current clinical settings, these combination therapies have shown promising outcomes and may represent the most effective strategy for improving ICI efficacy.
This Special Issue focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying ICI treatment resistance, the identification and validation of biomarkers for predicting ICI efficacy, and strategies for improving ICI efficacy by modulating the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, discussions on preclinical tests involving small-molecule compounds, antibodies, and similar agents are welcome.
Dr. Katsuaki Ieguchi
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- PD-1
- PD-L1
- CTLA-4
- immune checkpoint molecule
- immune checkpoint inhibitor
- tumor microenvironment
- drug resistance
- biomarker
- BiTE
- BiCE
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