Title: Cancer Immunotherapy: The Role Regulatory T Cells Play and What Can be Done to Overcome their Inhibitory Effects
Volume: 9
Issue: 6
Author(s): Sarah Church, Bernard A. Fox, Walter J. Urba, Brendan D. Curti, Hong-Ming Hu, Todd S. Crocenzi, Sidney Rosenheim, Andrew D. Weinberg, Emmanuel Akporiaye, Edwin B. Walker, Daniel P. Haley, Elisa Cardenas, Ulf Petrausch, Kevin Friedman, Levi Maston, Tarsem Moudgil, Michael G. LaCelle, Sachin Puri, Ilka Assmann, James A. Thompson, Chris Twitty, Shawn M. Jensen and Christian H. Poehlein
Affiliation:
Abstract: Since multiple lines of experimental and clinical data clearly identified regulatory T cells as an integral part of the immune response, these cells have become a major focus of investigation in tumor immunology. Regulatory T cells are in place to dampen ongoing immune responses and to prevent autoimmunity, but they also have profound effects in blocking therapeutic anti-tumor activity. Therefore regulatory T cells are seen as a major hurdle that must be overcome in order for cancer immunotherapy to reach its therapeutic potential. Regulatory T cells are heterogeneous with sub-populations that exhibit distinct functional features. Here we will review the individual sub-populations in regards to their mode of action and their potential impact on blocking anti-tumor immunity. Approaches to measure function and frequency of regulatory T cells in model systems and clinical trails will be discussed. Finally, we will describe possible ways to interfere with regulatory T cell-mediated immune suppression with the focus on recent pre-clinical and clinical findings.
