Targeting TIM-3 in solid tumors : innovations in the preclinical and translational realm and therapeutic potential

Saleh, R; Toor, SM; Elkord, E

Abstract

Introduction

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown a great therapeutic efficacy in cancer patients. However, a significant proportion of cancer patients remain unresponsive or show limited response. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing protein-3 (TIM-3) is a co-inhibitory receptor expressed on various cell types and is involved in the attenuation of immune responses. TIM-3 and its ligands are highly expressed in various solid malignancies and some studies have reported its association with worse disease outcomes. Thus, targeting TIM-3 could be a promising therapeutic approach to treat cancer patients.

Areas covered

This review describes the role of TIM-3 and its ligands in regulating anti-tumor immunity and their contribution to cancer progression. Moreover, this review focuses on the preclinical models and translational data from important studies published in PubMed till October 2020, which demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of targeting TIM-3 signaling.


Expert opinion

Despite the promising data obtained from targeting TIM-3 in preclinical models, precise mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effects of TIM-3 inhibition are not fully elucidated. Therefore, mechanistic studies are required to provide better insights into the anti-tumor effects of targeting TIM-3, and clinical data are necessary to determine the safety profiles and therapeutic efficacy of TIM-3 inhibition in cancer patients.

Citation

Saleh, R., Toor, S., & Elkord, E. (2020). Targeting TIM-3 in solid tumors : innovations in the preclinical and translational realm and therapeutic potential. Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets, 24(12), 1251-1262. https://doi.org/10.1080/14728222.2020.1841750

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 21, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Oct 24, 2020
• Publication Date: Nov 4, 2020
• Deposit Date: Jan 25, 2021
• Journal: Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
• Print ISSN: 1472-8222
• Electronic ISSN: 1744-7631
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Volume: 24
• Issue: 12
• Pages: 1251-1262
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14728222.2020.1841750
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/14728222.2020.1841750
• Related Public URLs: http://informahealthcare.com/journal/ett/
• Additional Information: Additional Information : ** From Crossref journal articles via Jisc Publications Router **Journal IDs: pissn 1472-8222; eissn 1744-7631 **History: published 01-12-2020; issued 04-11-2020; published_online 04-11-2020; Funders : Qatar Biomedical Research Institute