Identification of vsig3/vista as a novel immune checkpoint and use thereof for immunotherapy

Abstract

The ligand for VISTA is identified (VSIG3) as well as the use of this ligand and receptor interaction in the identification or synthesis of a VSIG3 agonist or antagonist compounds, preferably antibodies, polypeptides and fusion proteins which agonize or antagonize the effects of VSIG3 and/or VISTA and/or the VSIG3/VISTA interaction. These antagonists may be used to suppress VSIG/3/VISTA's suppressive effects on T cell immunity, and more particularly used in the treatment of cancer, or infectious disease. These agonist compounds may be used to potentiate or enhance VSIG3/VISTA's suppressive effects on T cell immunity and thereby suppress T cell immunity, such as in the treatment of autoimmunity, allergy or inflammatory conditions. Screening assays for identifying these agonists and antagonist compounds are also provided.

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