Immune Checkpoints

Immune checkpoints are a class of key regulatory proteins expressed on the surface of immune cells that finely regulate T-cell activation, proliferation, and function by delivering co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory signals. Co-stimulatory molecules enhance immune responses, whereas co-inhibitory molecules negatively regulate immune activation to prevent autoimmune damage. These molecules are core targets of tumor immunotherapy; blocking inhibitory checkpoints can reawaken anti-tumor immunity.