IDO1/TDO2 inhibitor M4112

An inhibitor of both the enzymes indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1; IDO-1) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (TDO2; TDO-2), with potential immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, IDO1/TDO2 inhibitor M4112 targets, binds to and inhibits both IDO1 and TDO2, which catalyze the first and rate-limiting step in the production of the immunosuppressive transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand kynurenine (Kyn). This inhibits the IDO1/TDO2-KYN-AhR pathway. Abrogation of AhR activation prevents the activation of immune-tolerant dendritic cells (DCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This may restore the immune response and may stimulate cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) immune response against tumor cells in which IDO1 and/or TDO2 are overexpressed. The IDO1/TDO2-KYN-AhR pathway is overexpressed in a variety of tumor cell types and plays a key role in immunosuppression. Its expression is correlated with poor prognosis.