Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 in cancer immunotherapy: function, prognostic biomarker and therapeutic potentials

Front Immunol. 2024 Nov 26:15:1501613. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1501613. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) has emerged as a key immune checkpoint regulating immune responses in the context of cancer. The inhibitory effect of LAG-3-expressing T cells contributes to suppressing anti-tumor immunity and promoting tumor progression. This review discusses the function of LAG-3 in immune suppression, its interactions with ligands, and its potential as a prognostic biomarker for cancers. We also explore therapeutic strategies targeting LAG-3, including monoclonal antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and CAR T cells. This review summarizes the current preclinical and clinical studies on LAG-3, highlighting the potential of therapeutic regimens targeting LAG-3 to enhance antitumor immunity and improve patients' outcomes. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the mechanism of action of LAG-3 and optimize its application in tumor therapy.

Keywords: LAG-3; T cells; biomarker; cancer; immune checkpoint.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • Biomarkers, Tumor*
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Immunotherapy* / methods
  • Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 Protein*
  • Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 Protein
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Lag3 protein, human
  • Antigens, CD
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.