Immune checkpoint blockade in infectious diseases

Michelle N. Wykes, Sharon R. Lewin

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

278 Scopus citations

Abstract

The upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4), on immune cells occurs during acute infections, such as malaria, as well as during chronic persistent viral infections, including HIV and hepatitis B virus. These pathways are important for preventing immune-driven pathology but can also limit immune-mediated clearance of the infection. The recent success of immune checkpoint blockade in cancer therapy suggests that targeting these pathways would also be effective for preventing and treating a range of infectious diseases. Here, we review our current understanding of immune checkpoint pathways in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and discuss the potential for therapeutically targeting these pathways in this setting.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)91-104
Number of pages14
JournalNature Reviews Immunology
Volume18
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Feb 2018
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Immune checkpoint blockade in infectious diseases'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this