Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been predominantly focused on biologically based intervention strategies. However, recent advances in the understanding of tumour-host interactions at the molecular level have revealed targets that might be amenable to intervention with small-molecule inhibitors. In particular, key effectors of tumoral immune escape have been identified that contribute to a dominant toleragenic state that is suspected of limiting the successful implementation of treatment strategies that rely on boosting immune function. Within the context of the pathophysiology of cancer-associated immune tolerance, this Review delineates potential molecular targets for therapeutic intervention and the progress that has been made in developing small-molecule inhibitors.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
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Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
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Arginase / antagonists & inhibitors
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Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / pharmacology
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Cytokines / antagonists & inhibitors
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Humans
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Immune Tolerance / drug effects*
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Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase / antagonists & inhibitors
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Neoplasms / drug therapy
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Neoplasms / immunology*
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Neoplasms / physiopathology
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Nitric Oxide Synthase / antagonists & inhibitors
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / antagonists & inhibitors
Substances
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Antineoplastic Agents
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Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
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Cytokines
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Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
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Nitric Oxide Synthase
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Arginase