Targeting semaphorin 4D in cancer: A look from different perspectives

Abstract

Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) plays a role in various cell types including B lymphocytes, differentiating neurons, endothelial cells, and cancer cells. Preclinical and in vitro studies have shown that Sema4D-directed antibodies in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors reshape the tumor microenvironment by promoting recruitment of effector lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells, while reducing immunosuppressive cell types, which ultimately leads to tumor rejection. Hence, early-stage clinical trials with combination therapies including anti-Sema4D antibodies are ongoing. In this issue of Cancer Research, Zuazo-Gaztelu and colleagues report an unexpected proinvasive effect induced by anti-Sema4D antibodies in a preclinical model of neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer (Rip1-Tag2), mediated by retrograde signaling of transmembrane Sema4D in macrophages, which increases their recruitment to tumors, SDF-1 secretion, and metastasis-promoting phenotype.