IFN-λ cancer immunotherapy: new kid on the block

Interferon-lambda (IFN-λ) is a new IFN type, related to IFN-α, that is commonly used in the clinic. However, significant side effects accompanying IFN-α treatment limit enthusiasm for IFN-α. In this review, we discuss the current landscape of IFN-α use in oncology and describe the biologic character...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Immunotherapy 2016-07, Vol.8 (8), p.877-888
Main Authors: Lasfar, Ahmed, Gogas, Helen, Zloza, Andrew, Kaufman, Howard L, Kirkwood, John M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptive immunity
Animal models
Biology
Bladder cancer
Cancer immunotherapy
Chromosomes
Clinical trials
Cytokines
Genes
Hepatitis
Hepatology
IFN therapy
IFN-α/λ combination
IFN-λ
immune check point inhibitors
Immune checkpoint inhibitors
Immune response
Immunotherapy
Infections
Interferon
Kinases
Ligands
Multiple myeloma
Oncology
Review
Viral infections
α-Interferon
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Description
Summary:Interferon-lambda (IFN-λ) is a new IFN type, related to IFN-α, that is commonly used in the clinic. However, significant side effects accompanying IFN-α treatment limit enthusiasm for IFN-α. In this review, we discuss the current landscape of IFN-α use in oncology and describe the biologic characteristics of IFN-λ. IFN-λ offers unique advantages, including a more tumor cell selective targeting, lower off-target binding and an ability to generate both innate and adaptive immune responses. IFN-λ has also demonstrated therapeutic benefit in murine cancer models. IFN-λ may be used in clinic as a single agent or in combination with other immunotherapy agents, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Further clinical trials will be needed to fully elucidate the potential of this novel agent in oncology.
ISSN:1750-743X
1750-7448
DOI:10.2217/imt-2015-0021