PD1 blockade enhances K⁺ channel activity, Ca²⁺ signaling, and migratory ability in cytotoxic T lymphocytes of patients with head and neck cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment modality for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Pembrolizumab, an anti-programmed death 1 antibody, is an immunotherapy agent currently approved for metastatic HNSCC and curative intent clinical trials. Although clinical responses to pembrolizumab are promising, many patients fail to respond. However, it is well known that T cell cytotoxicity and chemotaxis are critically important in the elimination of HNSCC tumors. These functions depend on ion channel activity and downstream Ca²⁺ fluxing abilities, which are defective in patients with HNSCC. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of pembrolizumab on potassium (K⁺) channel (KCa3.1 and Kv1.3) activity, Ca²⁺ fl

SUBMITTER: Newton HS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7566435 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature