Long noncoding RNA loss in immune suppression in cancer

Pharmacol Ther. 2020 Sep:213:107591. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107591. Epub 2020 May 29.

Abstract

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have multiple functions in the regulation of cellular homeostasis. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that tumor-associated lncRNAs play key roles in promoting and maintaining tumor initiation and progression by shaping the tumor microenvironment through changing tumor cell intrinsic properties. Here, we focus on the roles of lncRNAs in cancer immunology. In the first part, we provide an overview of the roles played by lncRNAs and their deregulation in cancer at the cancer cell- and tumor microenvironment-associated immune cell levels. We go on to describe preclinical strategies for targeting lncRNAs, particularly highlighting the effects on tumor microenvironments. We then discuss the possibility of combining lncRNA targeting and tumor immune checkpoint inhibitor antibodies to treat cancer.

Keywords: Cancer immunotherapy; Long noncoding RNA; Tumor-cell-extrinsic factors; Tumor-cell-intrinsic factors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics*
  • Tumor Microenvironment / genetics
  • Tumor Microenvironment / immunology

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • RNA, Long Noncoding