Trial watch: IDO inhibitors in cancer therapy

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) catalyzes the first, rate-limiting step of the so-called “kynurenine pathway”, which converts the essential amino acid L-tryptophan (Trp) into the immunosuppressive metabolite L-kynurenine (Kyn). While expressed constitutively by some tissues, IDO1 can also be induced in specific subsets of antigen-presenting cells that ultimately favor the establishment of immune tolerance to tumor antigens. At least in part, the immunomodulatory functions of IDO1 can be explained by depletion of Trp and accumulation of Kyn and its derivatives. In animal tumor models, genetic or pharmacological IDO1 inhibition can cause the (re)activation of anticancer immune responses. Similarly, neoplasms expressing high levels of IDO1 may elude anticancer immunosurveillance. Therefore, IDO1 inhibitors represent promising therapeutic candidates for cancer therapy, and some of them have already entered clinical evaluation. Here, we summarize preclinical and clinical studies testing IDO1-targeting interventions for oncologic indications.