The Yin and Yang of Targeting KLRG1+ Tregs and Effector Cells

The literature surrounding KLRG1 has primarily focused on NK and CD8(+) T cells. However, there is evidence that the most suppressive Tregs express KLRG1. Until now, the role of KLRG1 on Tregs has been mostly overlooked and remains to be elucidated. Here we review the current literature on KLRG1 with an emphasis on the KLRG1(+) Treg subset role during cancer development and autoimmunity. KLRG1 has been recently proposed as a new checkpoint inhibitor target, but these studies focused on the effects of KLRG1 blockade on effector cells. We propose that when designing anti-tumor therapies targeting KLRG1, the effects on both effector cells and Tregs will have to be considered.

Automated summary

The current literature primarily focuses on NK and CD8(+) T cells, but there is evidence that KLRG1 plays a crucial role in suppressive Tregs. The role of KLRG1 on Tregs is still not fully understood and requires further investigation. In the development of cancer and autoimmunity, the role of the KLRG1(+) Treg subset also needs to be explored.