چکیده :
Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) plays a key role in restraining the adaptive immune
response of T-cells towards a variety of antigens including tumor associated antigens (TAAs). The blockade
of this immune checkpoint elicits an effective anticancer immune response in a range of preclinical models,
suggesting that naturally occurring (or therapeutically induced) TAA specific lymphocytes need to be
“unleashed” in order to properly fight against malignant cells. Therefore, investigators have tested this therapeutic
hypothesis also in humans: the favorable results obtained with this strategy in patients with
advanced cutaneous melanoma are revolutionizing the management of this highly aggressive disease and
are fueling new enthusiasm on cancer immunotherapy in general.
Here we summarize the biology of CTLA-4, overview the experimental data supporting the rational for
targeting CTLA-4 to treat cancer and review the main clinical findings on this novel anticancer approach.
Moreover, we critically discuss the current challenges and potential developments of this promising field
of cancer immunotherapy