RANK/RANKL signaling inhibition may improve the effectiveness of checkpoint blockade in cancer treatment

Binding between the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB (RANK) and its ligand (RANKL) triggers recruitment of TNF receptor associated (TRAF) adaptor proteins and activation of downstream pathways. RANK/RANKL signaling is controlled by a decoy receptor called osteoprotegerin (OPG) which interacts with RANKL. Additional networks regulating RANK/RANKL signaling are active in a context specific manner. RANK/RANKL signaling is essential for the differentiation of bone-resorbing osteoclasts, and is deregulated in pathological processes such as postmenopausal osteoporosis or cancer induced bone destruction.

Source: Critical Reviews in Oncology Hematology - November 2, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Peter A van Dam, Yannick Verhoeven, Xuan B Trinh, An Wauters, Filip Lardon, Hans Prenen, Evelien Smits, Marcella Baldewijns, Martin Lammens Source Type: research