Vol. 32, March 2024 | Chenyu Lu1,2 and Yuanyan Tan3,4
The article reviews the promising immunotherapy targets TIM3, LAG3, and TIGIT, which are being explored as next-generation immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for cancer treatment. TIM3, a negative regulator of anti-tumor immunity, is highly expressed on dysfunctional T cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells, and its inhibition has shown potential in enhancing anti-tumor responses. Clinical trials of anti-TIM3 antibodies, such as TSR-022, LY3321367, and MBG453, have demonstrated safety and preliminary efficacy, with some showing durable clinical responses in various cancers. LAG3, another promising target, negatively regulates T cell function and Treg activity, and its inhibition has shown promise in clinical trials. Relatlimab, an anti-LAG3 antibody, has been approved by the FDA for melanoma, and other LAG3 inhibitors are in various stages of clinical development. TIGIT, a surface protein expressed on regulatory, memory, and activated T cells, also plays a role in immune suppression and has shown potential as a target for immunotherapy. Clinical trials of anti-TIGIT antibodies, such as AB154 and tiragolumab, have shown encouraging results, with some demonstrating improved overall response rates and progression-free survival. The article concludes by highlighting the ongoing research and clinical trials evaluating these novel ICIs, emphasizing their potential to enhance anti-tumor immune responses and improve patient outcomes.The article reviews the promising immunotherapy targets TIM3, LAG3, and TIGIT, which are being explored as next-generation immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for cancer treatment. TIM3, a negative regulator of anti-tumor immunity, is highly expressed on dysfunctional T cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells, and its inhibition has shown potential in enhancing anti-tumor responses. Clinical trials of anti-TIM3 antibodies, such as TSR-022, LY3321367, and MBG453, have demonstrated safety and preliminary efficacy, with some showing durable clinical responses in various cancers. LAG3, another promising target, negatively regulates T cell function and Treg activity, and its inhibition has shown promise in clinical trials. Relatlimab, an anti-LAG3 antibody, has been approved by the FDA for melanoma, and other LAG3 inhibitors are in various stages of clinical development. TIGIT, a surface protein expressed on regulatory, memory, and activated T cells, also plays a role in immune suppression and has shown potential as a target for immunotherapy. Clinical trials of anti-TIGIT antibodies, such as AB154 and tiragolumab, have shown encouraging results, with some demonstrating improved overall response rates and progression-free survival. The article concludes by highlighting the ongoing research and clinical trials evaluating these novel ICIs, emphasizing their potential to enhance anti-tumor immune responses and improve patient outcomes.