Exploration of targeting GPR56 and its cancer cell ligand as a novel immune checkpoint inhibition strategy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy over the last decade. In essence, ICIs block the interaction of immunosuppressive receptors and their ligands, which attenuate T cell activity and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Blocking these inhibitory signals results in the release of immunosuppression and promotes anti-tumor T cell reactivity.

Unpublished data from our research group, emerging in collaboration with the biotech company InProTher suggests a novel immune checkpoint receptor-ligand pair consisting of an adhesion G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and a viral protein.

With therapeutic targeting of GPCRs being our main focus, we - together with our collaboration partner InProTher - aim to investigate the blockade of the interaction between immune cells expressing the adhesion GPCR and cancer cells expressing the viral protein as novel ICI and cancer therapy strategy. The exploration of novel immune checkpoints and expanding the repertoire of cancer therapy drugs are paramount for overcoming therapeutic resistance and advancing cancer treatment.