VISTA-mediated immune evasion in cancer

Over the past decade, V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) has been established as a negative immune checkpoint molecule. Since the role of VISTA in inhibiting T-cell activation was described, studies have demonstrated other diverse regulatory functions in multiple immune cell populations. Furthermore, its relevance has been identified in human cancers. The role of VISTA in cancer immune evasion has been determined, but its mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment remain to be further elucidated. Understanding its contributions to cancer initiation, progression, and resistance to current treatments will be critical to its utility as a target for novel immunotherapies. Here, we summarize the current understanding of VISTA biology in cancer. Cancer immune surveillance, the body’s method of using the immune system to find and kill cancer cells, is sometimes thwarted, leading to tumor growth. This review focuses on a protein named V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) and examines how it may help cancer cells avoid immune detection. Studies with both human and mouse cells have identified how VISTA works and its effect on immune cells. Mouse model experiments and analyses of human cancer samples have also investigated how VISTA affects the immune system’s cancer-fighting ability. Together, these studies suggest that high VISTA levels in immune cells can hinder the immune response against tumors, aiding cancer cell growth and spread. Therefore, future strategies targeting VISTA could improve the immune system’s ability to find and kill cancer cells and require further investigation. This summary was initially drafted using artificial intelligence, then revised and fact-checked by the author.