Abstract:
Immune checkpoints (IC) comprise a series of important molecules that contribute to maintaining self-tolerance. Ligand/receptor interactions are able to activate multiple immune checkpoint pathways. Such pathways, which normally play a key role in maintaining immune homeostasis, can be exploited by cancer cells to evade immune surveillance. Therefore, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) can enhance anti-tumor immune responses. Given the unprecedented efficacy of immunotherapy in the context of tumor treatment, immune checkpoint inhibitors are garnering an increasing amount of attention. Many emerging targets exhibit potential for successful clinical application in immunotherapies. Herein, the current landscape of emerging immunotherapy targets is reviewed, including characteristics of a selected subset.