We and others recently discovered HHLA2 as a new B7 family member and transmembrane and immunoglobulin domain containing 2 (TMIGD2) as one of its receptors. Based on a new study we propose that HHLA2 may represent a novel immunosuppressive mechanism within the tumor microenvironment and hence could be a target for cancer therapy. TMIGD2 may be another therapeutic target.
Keywords: B7 family; CD28 family; HHLA2; TMIGD2; angiogenesis; immunosuppression; immunotherapy; ligand; receptor; tumor microenvironment.