Glossary

CTLA-4

Glossary / CTLA-4
Biology

CTLA-4 — Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, an immune checkpoint receptor targeted by peptide-based immunotherapy research.

Category
Biology
Glossary Section
C

What Is CTLA-4?

CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) is an immune checkpoint receptor that suppresses T cell activation. Blocking CTLA-4 with antibodies (ipilimumab) unleashes anti-tumor immunity. Peptide-based CTLA-4 inhibitors and CTLA-4-binding peptides are being developed as potentially safer, smaller alternatives to antibody checkpoint inhibitors.

Peptide Context

  • Peptide inhibitors: Short peptides mimicking the B7-1/B7-2 binding face of CTLA-4 for checkpoint blockade
  • Epitope vaccines: CTLA-4 blockade enhances T cell responses to peptide vaccines
  • Combination: Peptide vaccine + checkpoint inhibitor is a major immunotherapy research strategy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CTLA-4?

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, an immune checkpoint receptor targeted by peptide-based immunotherapy research.

Why is CTLA-4 important in peptide research?

CTLA-4 is a fundamental concept in biology as it relates to peptide science. It directly influences experimental design, compound characterization, and the reliability of research outcomes across biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines.

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