Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3, CD223) in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs): a molecular target for the restoration of active antitumor immunity

We have recently reported that lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3, CD223) mediates the alternative, IFN alpha-deficient activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) at tumor sites. Our findings define a novel tumor-driven strategy that promotes immunosuppression by pDCs, and we have provided more detailed information regarding the immunomodulatory role of of LAG-3. The translational relevance of our results for the treatment of tumors and autoimmune diseases is discussed herein.