Depletion of tumor associated macrophages by anti-BAG3 treatment complements PD-1 blockade in pancreatic cancer

Abstract

New literature published in Gut has shown that combined treatment of anti-BAG3 mAb and anti-PD-1 mAb in pancreatic cancer can eliminate tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), increase tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells and result in tumor growth suppression (1). These findings highlight the potential of BAG3 (Bcl-2-associated athanogene 3) as a therapeutic target in conjunction with immune checkpoint blockade in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.