How is HLA Class I Involved in Cancer Immunotherapy?
Cancer immunotherapy aims to enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. HLA Class I molecules are integral to the efficacy of several immunotherapeutic approaches. Checkpoint inhibitors, which block immune checkpoints like PD-1/PD-L1, rely on effective antigen presentation by HLA Class I to activate T cells against tumor cells. Additionally, cancer vaccines designed to target tumor-specific antigens require functional HLA Class I molecules to present these antigens to T cells. Understanding the role of HLA Class I in antigen presentation helps optimize immunotherapeutic strategies and identify patients likely to benefit from such treatments.
