Definition

An orally bioavailable agonist of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gamma (RORg), with potential immunomodulatory and antineoplastic activities. Upon oral administration of cintirorgon, this agent selectively binds to the nuclear receptor transcription factor RORg, forming a receptor complex that translocates to the nucleus, and binds to ROR response elements (ROREs), enhancing the function, proliferation and survival of type 17 T cells, including Th17 (helper T cells) and Tc17 (cytotoxic T cells). This may increase the expression of co-stimulatory molecules and decrease the expression of co-inhibitory molecules on T cells leading to increased production of cytokines and chemokines by T cells, decreased proliferation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), and abrogation of tumor-induced immunosuppression. This ultimately induces a T-cell-mediated immune response against cancer cells and leads to a reduction in tumor cell growth. RORg, the nuclear receptor transcription factor that is involved in Th17/Tc17 differentiation, plays a key role in immune activation.