Gene Regulation and Immune Checkpoints in Cancer Immunotherapy: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities
A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 189
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Cancer immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment, yet durable responses remain limited to a subset of patients. Emerging evidence highlights that the complex interplay between gene-regulatory networks and immune checkpoint pathways critically shapes tumor immunogenicity, immune evasion, and therapeutic responsiveness. This Special Issue focuses on research exploring how genetic, epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional mechanisms regulate immune checkpoint expression and function, ultimately influencing the tumor–immune interface.
Key areas of interest include the following:
- Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of immune checkpoints such as PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT;
- Non-coding RNA–mediated checkpoint regulation, including microRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs;
- Genomic alterations and tumor mutational features that drive immune tolerance or resistance;
- Chromatin remodeling and 3D genome organization affecting immune-related gene expression;
- Crosstalk between oncogenic pathways (MAPK, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin) and immune checkpoint regulation;
- Emerging checkpoints and regulatory molecules with therapeutic potential;
- Mechanisms of intrinsic or acquired resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors;
- Translational approaches such as gene editing, epigenetic modulators, and multi-omics profiling;
- Tumor microenvironment factors, including hypoxia, metabolism, and stromal or myeloid suppression.
We invite researchers in molecular oncology, immunology, and genomics to submit studies clarifying how gene-regulatory mechanisms shape immune checkpoint biology and influence immunotherapy outcomes. Studies using multi-omics analyses, functional genomics, innovative models, or clinical datasets are especially encouraged. Submissions identifying new mechanisms, biomarkers, or therapeutic strategies aimed at improving cancer immunotherapy are welcome.
Dr. Mohanraj Sadasivam
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- gene regulation
- immune checkpoints
- cancer immunotherapy
- epigenetics
- non-coding RNAs
- tumor microenvironment
- immune resistance
- PD-1/PD-L1 pathway
- chromatin remodeling
- multi-omics profiling
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