Pharmas wasted billions on Tigit, LAG trying to revive exhausted T cells.
In late-stage solid tumors, many 4-1BB? cells are:
1. Chronically exhausted
They express:
PD-1
TIM-3
LAG-3
TIGIT
CTLA-4
low granzyme/perforin
These cells consume cytokines, occupy metabolic niches, and block CAR-T expansion.
2. Suppressive
A subset of 4-1BB? Tregs expands in stage 4 tumors.