Interfering with coinhibitory molecules: BTLA/HVEM as new targets to enhance anti-tumor immunity

► Tumor cells evade the immune system by upregulating coinhibitory molecules. ► Upregulation of coinhibitory molecules such as PD1 attenuates T-cell anti-tumor response. ► Blockade of PD1/PDL1 reverses T cell suppressor and tumor protective mechanisms. ► Clinical trials with antagonist PD1/PDL1 mAbs are ongoing in advanced diseases. ► We propose the inhibitory molecule BTLA and its ligand HVEM as new targets.