The role of Galectin-3 in modulating tumor growth and immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2018

Publication Title

Oncoimmunology

Keywords

galectin-3; immunosuppression; immunotherapy; lectin; tumor immunology; tumor microenvironment

Abstract

The efficacy of cancer immunotherapy is limited, in part, by the multitude of immunosuppressive mechanisms present within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a lectin that contributes to TME immunosuppression and regulates diverse functions including cellular homeostasis and cancer biology. Increased Gal-3 expression during cancer progression augments tumor growth, invasiveness, metastatic potential, and immune suppression, which highlights the potential use of Gal-3 as a therapeutic target capable of modulating anti-tumor immunity. Here, we discuss the mechanisms by which Gal-3 regulates lymphocytes, the role of Gal-3 in lung and prostate tumors, and the contribution of Gal-3 to TME immunosuppression.

Clinical Institute

Cancer

Department

Oncology

Department

Earle A. Chiles Research Institute

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