Frontiers in Immunology (Feb 2021)

PSGL-1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibition for CD4+ T Cell Cancer Immunotherapy

  • Julia M. DeRogatis,
  • Karla M. Viramontes,
  • Emily N. Neubert,
  • Roberto Tinoco

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.636238
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

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Immune checkpoint inhibition targeting T cells has shown tremendous promise in the treatment of many cancer types and are now standard therapies for patients. While standard therapies have focused on PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade, additional immune checkpoints have shown promise in promoting anti-tumor immunity. PSGL-1, primarily known for its role in cellular migration, has also been shown to function as a negative regulator of CD4+ T cells in numerous disease settings including cancer. PSGL-1 is highly expressed on T cells and can engage numerous ligands that impact signaling pathways, which may modulate CD4+ T cell differentiation and function. PSGL-1 engagement in the tumor microenvironment may promote CD4+ T cell exhaustion pathways that favor tumor growth. Here we highlight that blocking the PSGL-1 pathway on CD4+ T cells may represent a new cancer therapy approach to eradicate tumors.

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