# The Positive and Negative Immunoregulatory Role of B7 Family: Promising Novel Targets in Gastric Cancer Treatment

## TL;DR

This paper explores the B7 family of immune checkpoint molecules and their potential as new targets for treating gastric cancer.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the dual immunoregulatory roles of the B7 family in gastric cancer, identifying them as promising novel therapeutic targets.

## Key findings

- The B7 family has eleven members that act as immune checkpoint molecules in gastric cancer.
- These molecules can send both co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory signals to regulate T cell responses.
- Modulating B7 family signals offers significant potential for managing gastric cancer.

## Abstract

Gastric cancer (GC), with a heterogeneous nature, is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Over the past few decades, stable reductions in the incidence of GC have been observed. However, due to the poor response to common treatments and late diagnosis, this cancer is still considered one of the lethal cancers. Emerging methods such as immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the landscape of treatment for GC patients. There are presently eleven known members of the B7 family as immune checkpoint molecules: B7-1 (CD80), B7-2 (CD86), B7-H1 (PD-L1, CD274), B7-DC (PDCD1LG2, PD-L2, CD273), B7-H2 (B7RP1, ICOS-L, CD275), B7-H3 (CD276), B7-H4 (B7x, B7S1, Vtcn1), B7-H5 (VISTA, Gi24, DD1α, Dies1 SISP1), B7-H6 (NCR3LG1), B7-H7 (HHLA2), and Ig-like domain-containing receptor 2 (ILDR2). Interaction of the B7 family of immune-regulatory ligands with the corresponding receptors resulted in the induction and inhibition of T cell responses by sending co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory signals, respectively. Manipulation of the signals provided by the B7 family has significant potential in the management of GC.