Immune checkpoints in B cells: unlocking new potentials in cancer treatment

B cells are crucial component of humoral immunity, and their role in the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) has garnered significant attention in recent years. These cells hold great potential and application prospects in the field of tumor immunotherapy. Research has demonstrated that the TME can remodel various B cell functions, including proliferation, differentiation, antigen presentation, and antibody production, thereby invalidating the anti-tumor effects of B cells. Concurrently, numerous immune checkpoints (ICs) on the surface of B cells are upregulated. Aberrant B-cell IC signals not only impair the function of B cells themselves, but also modulate the tumor-killing effects of other immune cells, ultimately fostering an immunosuppressive TME and facilitating tumor immune escape. Targeting B-cell ICs may help to restore the functions of B cells and reverse immunosuppressive TME.

In this paper, researchers delve into the intricate connection between B cell and TME, emphasizing the critical role of targeting B-cell ICs in anti-tumor immunity, which may provide valuable insights for the future development of tumor immunotherapy based on B cells. What’s more, they explored the urgent issues and future research directions related to B-cell ICs, and proposed potential strategies for B-cell ICs identification in tumors. According to Peng Luo, the researcher who led the study, “Prior to our review, research progress of B-cell ICs in tumors had not been systematically summarized and discussed.” He adds: “We hope that this paper can lay a theoretical foundation and provide valuable insights for the development of B-cell ICs and immune checkpoint inhibitors based on B cells, providing new hope for tumor immunotherapy.”