Signaling through CD80: an approach for treating lymphomas

Abstract

Background: One of the mechanisms by which tumors evade the immune system is by downregulating the expression of costimulatory molecules like CD80 and CD86. The role of CD80 in the activation of T cells is well established and current studies are exploring its role in cancer. Objective: To examine the possible role of CD80 signaling in generating an effective immune response against cancer cells. Methods: Many reports have described the influence of CD80 on the growth of B cell and follicular lymphomas. Signaling through CD80 in B cell lymphomas can retard their proliferation by upregulating expression of pro-apoptotic molecules and downregulating antiapoptotic molecules and can therefore induce apoptosis. Recently, a Phase I/II study of treatment with CD80-specific antibody has shown it to be quite effective in relapsed and refractory follicular lymphoma patients. Conclusion: This study shows that anti-CD80 immunotherapy may have a potent role in treating CD80-bearing cancer cells.