Targeting TNFR2, an immune checkpoint stimulator and oncoprotein, is a promising treatment for cancer

Xin Chen; Joost J Oppenheim

doi:10.1126/scisignal.aal2328

Targeting TNFR2, an immune checkpoint stimulator and oncoprotein, is a promising treatment for cancer

Sci Signal. 2017 Jan 17;10(462):eaal2328. doi: 10.1126/scisignal.aal2328.

Authors

Xin Chen^{1

2}, Joost J Oppenheim³

Affiliations

¹ State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao S.A.R. 999078, China. [email protected] [email protected].
² Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
³ Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA. [email protected] [email protected].

PMID: 28096506
DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aal2328

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is expressed both by some cancer cells and by tumor-infiltrating immunosuppressive CD4⁺FoxP3⁺ regulatory T cells (T_regs). TNFR2 stimulates the activation and proliferation of T_regs, a major checkpoint of antitumor immune responses, and promotes cancer cell survival and tumor growth. In this issue of Science Signaling, Torrey et al found that dominant antagonistic antibodies against human TNFR2 may be a potential therapy for ovarian cancer patients by simultaneously suppressing T_reg activity and inducing the death of the cancer cells.

Publication types

Review
Comment

MeSH terms

Cell Proliferation
Female
Humans
Oncogene Proteins
Ovarian Neoplasms*
Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II / antagonists & inhibitors*
T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / cytology

Substances

Oncogene Proteins
Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II