PD-1 and LAG-3 are both inhibitory immune checkpoints known for limiting T cell activity in cancer. Blocking PD-1 and LAG-3 reprograms suppressive macrophages and sustains antitumor efficacy independently of T cells. Chinese researchers reported the development of BsPep-IMDQ, a bispecific peptide-drug conjugate (PDC) designed to target LAG-3 and PD-1 simultaneously.

Researchers from Sun Yat-sen University and collaborators reported the preclinical efficacy of SGI-7079, an AXL inhibitor, in models of retinoblastoma.

To address the dual bottlenecks of immunosuppressive cell infiltration and impaired T-cell function in the tumor microenvironment (TME), researchers from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Sun Yat-sen University (China) aimed to develop an engineered bispecific peptide-nanozyme conjugate (BsPNEC) targeting PD-L1 and CXCR1/2.

Copper is an essential trace element with critical roles in several biological processes; therefore, its levels are tightly regulated by multiple mechanisms. Researchers from Sun Yat-Sen University (Guangzhou, China) and collaborators recently described the design of a series of novel copper ionophores with varying n-alkyl chain lengths.

Ischemic retinopathy refers to a group of ocular disorders characterized by insufficient retinal blood flow, leading to hypoxia and subsequent retinal tissue damage. In the hypoxic environment, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) activates the transcription of pro-angiogenic factors that promote pathological retinal neovascularization, which ultimately contributes to edema, retinal damage and vision loss.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that supports neuronal growth and survival and plays a critical role in regulating synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. Reduced BDNF levels have been observed in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and mood disorders, suggesting that agents capable of enhancing BDNF expression may represent promising therapeutic strategies for both neurodegenerative diseases and depression.

Chronic hypertension in pulmonary arteries leads to their remodeling, making them increasingly resistant and potentially progressing to right heart failure and premature death. Despite advances in vasodilator therapies, the prognosis of individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension has not improved substantially in the past 20 years.

Corneal neovascularization (CNV) occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow into the cornea in response to ischemic or hypoxic conditions caused by infections, inflammation or chemical injuries.