Beyond Checkpoints––the HLA System and other New Targets

Dear Colleagues,

In the wake of the Nobel Prizes concerning checkpoint/checkpoint inhibitor therapy, it is now evident that immuno-oncology is of growing importance in the scientific community. However, although the therapy options of checkpoints, their inhibitors (or even activators), and their ligands have proved to be useful, they only represent a very minor part of immunological tumor control and therefore of possible therapeutic applications.

The dominating cellular identification and communication system in humans is the HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) system, which represents class I and class II of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and also partially extends to class III. This dominant system is therefore worthy of investigation with respect to the regulation of implantation/pregnancy and, in particular, to the immunoregulation of carcinogenesis.

Certain groups in the HLA system, especially the nonclassical group HLA-G (class Ib) with its seven isoforms, are well documented in their crucial role in the overriding the immune system with malignant tumors. However, there are also other aspects and other nonclassical groups, e.g., HLA-F and its isoforms, whose role in the manipulation of the immune system through malignant tumors remains to be elucidated.

Owing to the above, a more in-depth investigation into the HLA system has become more than necessary. However, there are also other new targets “in the pipeline” that should not be neglected, e.g., growth factors, their receptors, and tumor-bound expression/overexpression.

Therefore, we believe that it of great significance to collate the “state of the art” concerning the HLA system, new targets beyond checkpoints, and their significance, particularly in oncology, which has led to the original studies and overviews presented in this Special Issue. In addition, the issue also aims to trace the direction of current scientific studies and their potential importance for diagnosis and therapy in the future.

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Würfel
Guest Editor

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