TIGIT and Cancer
Understanding the Role of TIGIT in Cancer
TIGIT, an immune checkpoint receptor, has garnered significant interest as a target in cancer immunotherapy, particularly in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. While preclinical studies showed promising results, clinical trials combining anti-TIGIT and anti-PD-1 therapies have so far failed to meet expectations. We are currently investigating this aspect by analyzing the response of patients treated with this combined blockade to provide insights that may help explain these mixed outcomes.
Beyond immune suppression, TIGIT also plays a role in promoting tissue repair through the induction of amphiregulin (Areg), a growth factor that signals through EGFR. In the tumor microenvironment, this may support tumor growth. Loss of TIGIT signaling could therefore reduce Areg levels, disrupting tumor promoting signals and indirectly enhancing anti-tumor responses.
A deeper understanding of TIGIT’s role in tumor settings is required to improve TIGIT-targeted therapies.
