What is the role of immune checkpoints in the immune system?

The role of immune checkpoints in the immune system is to regulate immune responses, which can include suppressing immune function when necessary. Immune checkpoints are regulatory pathways in the immune system that either promote or inhibit the immune response. They are critical for maintaining self-tolerance and preventing autoimmunity, ensuring that the immune system does not become overly activated and attack the body's own tissues.

When the immune system encounters antigens, immune checkpoints can provide inhibitory signals that modulate T cell activity. This is particularly important in situations where an immune response might be detrimental, such as during chronic infections or in cancer, where unchecked immune responses could lead to tissue damage or an ineffective attack on cancer cells. By regulating the amount of immune activity, these checkpoints help maintain a balance that is crucial for proper immune function and homeostasis.

In the context of cancer therapies, targeting immune checkpoints has become a significant area of research, as many tumors exploit these pathways to evade immune detection. By inhibiting these checkpoints, researchers aim to enhance the immune response against tumors.