Immunotherapeutic Potential of TGF-beta Inhibition and Oncolytic Viruses

Author(s):
Groeneveldt, C.; Hall, T. van (0000-0002-9115-558X); Burg, S.H. van der (0000-0002-6556-0354); Dijke, P. ten (0000-0002-2875-4723); Montfoort, N. van
Published
2020
Publication type
Article / Letter to editor

Abstract

In cancer immunotherapy, a patient's own immune system is harnessed against cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors release the brakes on tumor-reactive T cells and, therefore, are particularly effective in treating certain immune-infiltrated solid tumors. By contrast, solid tumors with immune-silent profiles show limited efficacy of checkpoint blockers due to several barriers. Recent discoveries highlight transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-induced immune exclusion and a lack of immunogenicity as examples of these barriers. In this review, we summarize preclinical and clinical evidence that illustrates how the inhibition of TGF-beta signaling and the use of oncolytic viruses (OVs) can increase the efficacy of immunotherapy, and discuss the promise and challenges of combining these approaches with immune checkpoint blockade.

Date issued
2020-05-01
Language
English
Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
Is part of
Trends in Immunology (2020), Vol. 41, no. 5, p. 406-420
hdl
1887/3181182
doi
10.1016/j.it.2020.03.003