The science behind
Fovero Therapeutics
A revelation in cancer research has emerged. New research has found the link between this devastating disease and a fundamental problem in the immune system. This newfound understanding has paved the way for a groundbreaking discovery known as the Galectin-9 (GAL9)/PD-L2 axis.
At the core of this axis lies PD-1, a critical player in immune suppression during infectious diseases and cancer. PD-1 blockade is already in use as an immunotherapy. Our research identified PD-L2 facilitates cellular survival and enhances immune responses through a secondary receptor. The interaction between PD-L2 and GAL9 is a pivotal process in this context. Excitingly, the administration of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting GAL9 has exhibited promising potential in demonstrating the ability to clear certain types of cancer.
This remarkable progress is further bolstered by compelling evidence from independent studies, showcasing the presence of GAL9 mRNA expression in numerous solid tumors. The scientific validation of GAL9's significance solidifies its position as an enticing target for potential therapeutic interventions, presenting new avenues for addressing a range of diseases characterized by dysregulated immune function, particularly in the realm of cancer treatment.
Figure 1. Dendritic cells (DCs) either activate or suppress T cell function, depending on the proteins recruited into the immune synapse that is formed between the two cells when they interact. When PD-L1 on DCs binds PD-1 on T cells, immune function is suppressed, (right). When PD-L2 outcompetes PD-L1 on DCs to bind PD1 on T cells, galectin-9 (Gal9) is co-recruited into the immune synapse and immune function is activated (left). Current Immunotherapies use blocking antibodies to disrupt the immunosuppressive PD-L1 to PD-1 interaction to try and recover immune function. Fovero Therapeutics’ immunotherapy instead reorganizes the immune synapse toward natural activation.