Tumors are diseases caused by abnormal cell proliferation, typically manifesting as lumps or tumor formation. Tumors can be benign or malignant, with malignant tumors invading surrounding tissues and potentially metastasizing to other parts of the body. Autoimmune diseases, on the other hand, occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body, leading to tissue damage and functional impairment, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.
In recent years, OX40 (also known as TNFRSF4) and OX40L (also known as TNFSF4) have garnered significant attention as critical immune regulators. OX40 is a co-stimulatory molecule expressed on activated T cells, while OX40L is primarily expressed on antigen-presenting cells. Studies have shown that the interaction between OX40 and OX40L plays a crucial role in enhancing T cell proliferation, survival, and effector functions. As a result, drugs targeting OX40 and OX40L are under development for tumor immunotherapy and autoimmune disease treatment. For example, Amlitelimab, a monoclonal antibody targeting OX40L, is being developed to treat autoimmune diseases such as atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory conditions.
The OX40 gene (TNFRSF4, Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily Member 4) is located on human chromosome 1p36 and encodes a transmembrane protein belonging to the TNF receptor superfamily. The OX40L gene (TNFSF4, Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 4) is located on human chromosome 1q25 and encodes a transmembrane protein of the TNF ligand superfamily. When OX40 and OX40L bind, the intracellular signaling domain of OX40 recruits TRAF proteins (TNF Receptor-Associated Factors) to activate downstream signaling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt. These pathways play essential roles in regulating T cell survival, proliferation, and function.
In conclusion, research on OX40 and OX40L provides new perspectives and potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of tumors and autoimmune diseases.
Genomeditech provides resources related to the OX40-OX40L target, including overexpression cell lines, functional cell lines, and antibodies, which can support the in vitro activity validation of OX40-OX40L-targeting antibodies. These tools will help researchers better evaluate and optimize the development of tumor and autoimmune-related drugs, advancing their applications in immunotherapy.
