What are immune checkpoint inhibitors designed to do?

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a class of cancer immunotherapy designed to enhance the immune response against cancer by blocking checkpoint proteins. Checkpoint proteins are molecules on immune cells that, under normal circumstances, serve to regulate and maintain self-tolerance by inhibiting the activation of T-cells. However, many cancer cells exploit these checkpoints to evade immune detection and destruction. By inhibiting these proteins, immune checkpoint inhibitors essentially release the "brakes" on the immune system, allowing T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

This mechanism is particularly significant because it enables the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells that it might otherwise ignore, potentially leading to improved outcomes for patients with various types of cancer. This approach has transformed the treatment landscape for several malignancies, providing new options for patients who may not respond well to traditional therapies. The focus on enhancing the immune response aligns particularly with the current understanding of cancer immunology and how the body can be equipped to fight malignancies.