Cleveland Clinic research finds VISTA directly blocks T-cells from functioning in immunotherapy.

A recent study conducted by scientists and physicians at the Cleveland Clinic has found that the immune checkpoint protein VISTA can directly inhibit T-cells, which are crucial for immunotherapy and fighting tumors. The researchers discovered that VISTA can bind to a protein called LRIG1 in T-cells, leading to the suppression of T-cell replication, survival, and function. This interaction between VISTA and LRIG1 has been linked to resistance to immunotherapy in melanoma and endometrial cancer. The findings suggest that blocking LRIG1 function could potentially halt tumor growth in various cancers. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the mechanisms of VISTA and develop more effective treatments. [Extracted from the article]