Immunologic Checkpoint Molecules and Their Role in Reproduction and Cancer

Dear Colleagues,

Immune checkpoint molecules, such as FasL/Fas, TIM-3/Gal-9, and PD-1/PD-L1, are regulators of immune responses of the fetus that prevent its rejection by the maternal immune system.

On the other hand, checkpoint inhibitors are among the most promising therapeutic approaches for the treatment of a variety of cancers, leading to strong immune responses against tumor cells by blocking PD1/PD-L1 or TIM-3/Gal-9. Immunostaining for PD-L1 has already become a valid predictive biomarker and is routinely analyzed in several types of cancer. Several reports have demonstrated that PD1/PD-L1 or TIM-3/Gal-9 inhibitors might be useful for cancer treatment approaches. However, there exist difficulties because of the tumor types studied; whether PD1/PD-L1 or TIM-3/Gal-9 expression is a good prognostic marker remains controversial.

In addition, interaction between the receptor Fas (CD95) and Fas Ligand (FasL, CD178) can efficiently induce apoptosis and is critical for the maintenance of immunological tolerance. In invasive carcinomas, the expression of Fas and FasL may be inversely related. During pregnancy, trophoblast and decidual FasL-expressing cells induce apoptosis in the Fas-bearing activated T-cells of the maternal–fetal interface, thus minimizing the risk of embryo rejection during implantation and early development.

Therefore, this Special Issue deals with a variety immunologic checkpoint molecules and their functions in reproductive immunology and cancer biology.

Prof. Dr. Udo Jeschke
Guest Editor

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