Title:Current Challenges in Targeting Tumor Desmoplasia to Improve the Efficacy of Immunotherapy
Volume: 21
Issue: 11
Author(s): Anna Kasperska*, Jędrzej Borowczak*, Krzysztof Szczerbowski*, Ewa Stec, Navid Ahmadi and Łukasz Szylber
Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun,Poland
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun,Poland
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun,Poland
Keywords:
Cancer, immunotherapy, desmoplasia, immunoresistance, CXCR-4, PD-L1.
Abstract: Desmoplasia is crucial for the development, progression and treatment of immune-resistant
malignancies. Targeting desmoplasia-related metabolic pathways appears to be an interesting
approach to expand our stock of disposable anti-tumor agents. CXCL12/CXCR4 axis inhibition reduces
fibrosis, alleviates immunosuppression and significantly enhances the efficacy of PD-1 immunotherapy.
CD40L substitute therapy may increase the activity of T-cells, downregulate
CD40+, prolong patients’ survival and prevent cancer progression. Although FAPα antagonists
used in preclinical models did not lead to permanent cure, an alleviation of immune-resistance,
modification of desmoplasia and a decrease in angiogenesis were observed. Targeting DDR2 may
enhance the effect of anti-PD-1 treatment in multiple neoplasm cell lines and has the ability to overcome
the adaptation to BRAF-targeted therapy in melanoma. Reprogramming desmoplasia could
potentially cooperate not only with present treatment, but also other potential therapeutic targets.
We present the most promising metabolic pathways related to desmoplasia and discuss the emerging
strategies to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.