PI3K Isoform Immunotherapy for Solid Tumours

Designing Small Molecule PI3Kγ Inhibitors: A Review of Structure-Based Methods and Computational Approaches

The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway plays critical roles in a wide array of biological processes. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase gamma (PI3Kγ), a class IB PI3K family member, represents a potential therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of cancer, inflammation, and autoimmunity. In this Perspective, we provide a comprehensive overview of the structure, biological function, and regulation of PI3Kγ. We also focus on the development of PI3Kγ inhibitors over the past decade and emphasize their binding modes, structure-activity relationships, and pharmacological activities. The application of computational technologies and artificial intelligence in the discovery of novel PI3Kγ inhibitors is also introduced. This review aims to provide a timely and updated overview on the strategies for targeting PI3Kγ.

Manipulating the tumor immune microenvironment to improve cancer immunotherapy: IGF1R, a promising target

Cancer immunotherapy has made impressive advances in improving the outcome of patients affected by malignant diseases. Nonetheless, some limitations still need to be tackled to more efficiently and safely treat patients, in particular for those affected by solid tumors. One of the limitations is related to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which impairs anti-tumor immunity. Efforts to identify targets able to turn the TME into a milieu more auspicious to current immuno-oncotherapy is a real challenge due to the high redundancy of the mechanisms involved. However, the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), an attractive drug target for cancer therapy, is emerging as an important immunomodulator and regulator of key immune cell functions. Here, after briefly summarizing the IGF1R signaling pathway in cancer, we review its role in regulating immune cells function and activity, and discuss IGF1R as a promising target to improve anti-cancer immunotherapy.