A study published in Cell Research described an engineered 11‑amino‑acid peptide that targets PTPN13 and the C‑terminal region of APC to block colorectal cancer (CRC) mechanisms that enable immune evasion. The peptide restored antitumor immune signaling in preclinical models and reduced tumor immune suppression. Authors reported molecular validation of the peptide’s binding and downstream effects on tumor‑immune interactions, suggesting a short‑peptide strategy to reverse specific immune checkpoints in CRC. The approach highlights small, targeted biologics as an alternative to larger antibodies for modulating tumor signaling pathways and immune microenvironments.