title: The therapeutic potential of 4-1BB (CD137) in cancer.
abstract: Techniques for modulating immune cells for cancer therapy have been widely studied. One key approach that is being clinically tested is developing tumor-destructive cell-mediated immune responses by regulating co-stimulatory molecules. 4-1BB (CD137), a member of the TNF receptor family, is expressed following activation of T and NK cells. Recently, it has been reported that DCs also express 4-1BB. Cross-linking of 4-1BB provides a potent co-stimulatory signal for lymphocytes via signal transduction pathways that modulate a number of cellular responses. One remarkable response is stimulation of anti-tumor activity in vivo and in vitro. We here review the potential role of 4-1BB in cancer immunotherapy focusing on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Korea.
authors.forename: Kyung-Ok
authors.initials: KO
authors.lastname: Nam
authors.forename: Woo Jin
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Byoung S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.forename: Sung Jin
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Hyeon-Woo
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D053261:Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015703:Antigens, CD; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; C505714:TNFRSF9 protein, human; D053261:Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9