Inhibitory B7-family molecules in the tumour microenvironment

W Zou, L Chen - Nature Reviews Immunology, 2008 - nature.com
Nature Reviews Immunology, 2008nature.com
The B7 family consists of activating and inhibitory co-stimulatory molecules that positively
and negatively regulate immune responses. Recent studies have shown that human and
rodent cancer cells, and stromal cells and immune cells in the cancer microenvironment
upregulate expression of inhibitory B7 molecules and that these contribute to tumour
immune evasion. In this Review, we focus on the roles of these B7 molecules in the dynamic
interactions between tumours and the host immune system, including their expression …
Abstract
The B7 family consists of activating and inhibitory co-stimulatory molecules that positively and negatively regulate immune responses. Recent studies have shown that human and rodent cancer cells, and stromal cells and immune cells in the cancer microenvironment upregulate expression of inhibitory B7 molecules and that these contribute to tumour immune evasion. In this Review, we focus on the roles of these B7 molecules in the dynamic interactions between tumours and the host immune system, including their expression, regulation and function in the tumour microenvironment. We also discuss novel therapeutic strategies that target these inhibitory B7 molecules and their signalling pathways to treat human cancer.
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