Targeting CD36 for melanoma and colorectal cancer

INDICATION: Colorectal cancer; melanoma

Inhibiting CD36, a scavenger receptor for uptake of long-chain fatty acids and oxidized low-density lipoproteins, in regulatory T cells (Tregs) could treat colorectal cancer and melanoma. In a mouse models of colorectal cancer and melanoma, Treg-specific CD36 knockout reduced tumor growth and the number of intratumoral Tregs and increased the number of CD8⁺ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). In the melanoma models, intraperitoneal injection of an anti-CD36 mAb slowed tumor growth, and combination with an anti-PD-1 mAb boosted efficacy. Similarly, Treg cell-specific CD36 knockout plus the anti-PD-1 mAb reduced tumor growth and also extended survival compared with the anti-PD-1 mAb alone. Next steps include defining the therapeutic potential of CD36 in patient samples...