Abstract
TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) has become one of the best potential immune checkpoints that might be targeted, mainly because of its vital role in tumor microenvironments (TMEs). Overexpression of TNFR2 in some tumor cells and essential function in immunosuppressive cells, especially regulatory T cells (Tregs), makes blocking TNFR2 an excellent strategy in cancer treatment; however, there is evidence showing that activating TNFR2 can also inhibit tumor progression in vivo. In this review, we will discuss drugs that block and activate TNFR2 under clinical trials or preclinical developments up till now. Meanwhile, we summarize and explore the possible mechanisms related to them.
Highlights
Escape from the immune system is a well-recognized feature of cancer, which has made immunotherapy the fourth most effective measure in cancer treatment after surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy
They generated a parallel anti-human TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) antibody Ab1, which exhibits similar properties to the Y9 antibody, and it can increase proliferation, activation markers, and cytokines in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. It has antitumor activity in humanized mouse models [71]. This result broke the initial thinking that targeting TNFR2 in cancer only means blocking, and it shed light on the potential possibility of TNFR2 agonist antibodies as antitumor agents in preclinical development
TNFR2 has emerged as a potential immune checkpoint in cancer treatment; the role it played in tumor microenvironments (TMEs) is much more complex than we thought
Summary
Escape from the immune system is a well-recognized feature of cancer, which has made immunotherapy the fourth most effective measure in cancer treatment after surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. We will review the most potential TNFR2 antagonists and agonists that are about to get into or Targeting TNFR2 in Cancer already under clinical trials and try to explain why both blocking and activating TNFR2 can inhibit tumor cells in vivo. Aside from the important role that TNFR2 plays in Tregs, TNFR2 is an oncogene upregulated in certain tumors and can improve cancer cell survival.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
