Targeting a Novel Checkpoint to Treat Cancer and Autoimmune Conditions

Checkpoint inhibitors are not new, but Immutep is developing therapies that target LAG-3, a checkpoint discovered by its chief scientific officer. The LAG-3 gene codes for a protein that plays a role in the regulation of the immune system and is expressed on T cells. Immutep is seeking to target LAG-3 to both stimulate the immune system to treat cancers and suppress the immune system to treat autoimmune disease. We spoke to Marc Voigt, CEO of Immutep, about the LAG-3 checkpoint, the company’s lead experimental candidate, and its partnerships with GSK and Novartis to develop therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.