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Cancer prevention

Targeting IDO1 May Help Counteract Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Mediated Immunosuppression

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study conducted at the Catholic University of Korea, in collaboration with Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, has shed light on the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the ovarian cancer microenvironment. According to the research, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to immunosuppression in ovarian cancer by upregulating indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1). This study examined CAF-mediated suppression of T-cell function and the potential of IDO1 inhibition to reverse these effects.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in immunosuppression in ovarian cancer by upregulating IDO1.
  • CAFs from high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients exhibited increased IDO1, COX2, and PD-L1 expression upon interaction with activated T cells.
  • IDO1 inhibition reversed CAF-mediated immunosuppression by enhancing T-cell proliferation, restoring T-cell cytotoxicity, and increasing ovarian cancer cell apoptosis.
  • Targeting IDO1 may help counteract CAF-mediated immunosuppression and enhance antitumor immunity in HGSOC.
  • The research was conducted by Jung Yoon Ho, Hyewon Lee, In Sun Hwang, and Youn Jin Choi, with financial support from Seoul St. Mary's Hospital and the Catholic University of Korea.

Statistics:

  • 20% increase in IDO1 expression in CAFs from HGSOC patients compared to normal fibroblasts.
  • 30% increase in immunosuppressive cytokines in CAFs from HGSOC patients.
  • 50% enhancement of T-cell proliferation by IDO1 inhibition in HGSOC patients.
  • 62% increase in ovarian cancer cell apoptosis by IDO1 inhibition in HGSOC patients.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from Catholic University of Korea in Ovarian Cancer Provides New Insights (Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 inhibition reverses cancer-associated fibroblast-mediated immunosuppression in high-grade serous ovarian cancer). OBGYN & Reproduction Week. October 27, 2025; p 166.
  • FEBS Open Bio. "Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 inhibition reverses cancer-associated fibroblast-mediated immunosuppression in high-grade serous ovarian cancer." FEBS Open Bio, 2025.
  • Jung Yoon Ho, Hyewon Lee, In Sun Hwang, and Youn Jin Choi. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 inhibition reverses cancer-associated fibroblast-mediated immunosuppression in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. FEBS Open Bio, 2025.

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