Inherited mitochondrial genetics as a predictor of immune checkpoint inhibition efficacy in melanoma

The preprint operates within the dominant paradigm of immuno-oncology, specifically focusing on the role of T-cell exhaustion in ICI resistance and exploring host factors influencing treatment outcomes.

This research falls under "normal science" as it investigates a specific problem (the role of mitochondrial genetics in ICI efficacy) within the established framework of immuno-oncology. It refines existing knowledge by identifying a potential new biomarker for ICI resistance and exploring its association with T-cell phenotypes, but it does not fundamentally challenge the current understanding of cancer immunotherapy or propose a radical shift in treatment strategies. The research expands upon existing knowledge of T-cell exhaustion mechanisms and the importance of host factors in ICI response, thus contributing to the ongoing refinement of the field's understanding within its current paradigm. While elements of pre-paradigm science exist due to the novelty of the proposed biomarker, the research primarily aims to refine existing models rather than establish fundamentally new paradigms.