Combining Histone Modification Therapy and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Tumor Treatment

Histone modifications play a crucial role in chromatin packaging and gene regulation during cell development. Differentiated alterations in histone modifications have the potential to adjust gene expression patterns, affecting tumorigenesis and cancerogenesis. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective treatments for attacking tumors and cancer cells; they are able to block the binding of protein receptors, allowing for the destruction of malignant cells through T-cells or NK cells. By combining the two therapies, tumor growth is prevented, and T-cells can more effectively target the malignant cells, resulting in lower doses of immune checkpoint inhibitors and lower risks of autoimmune diseases. This review discusses existing histone modifications and their roles in solid tumor development to identify therapeutic drugs that can reorganize gene expression patterns. Furthermore, this review summarizes existing research on immune checkpoint inhibitors and how a combination of both techniques can lead to more effective treatments. Future research may focus on other epigenetic mechanisms that can be paired with immune checkpoint inhibitors to remove tumors. Studies may also research the effects of pairing histone modifications with other immunotherapies for cancer treatment.