The success of cellular
immunotherapies against
cancer requires the generation of activated CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cells. The type of T-cell response generated (e.g., Th1 or Th2) will determine the efficacy of the
therapy, and it is generally assumed that a type-1 response is needed for optimal
cancer treatment.
IL-17 producing T-cells (Th17/Tc17) play an important role in
autoimmune diseases, but their function in
cancer is more controversial. While some studies have shown a pro-cancerous role for
IL-17, other studies have shown an anti-
tumor function. The induction of polarized T-cell responses can be regulated by dendritic cells (DCs). DCs are key regulators of the immune system with the ability to affect both innate and adaptive immune responses. These properties have led many researchers to study the use of ex vivo manipulated DCs for the treatment of various diseases, such as
cancer and
autoimmune diseases. While Th1/Tc1 cells are traditionally used for their potent anti-
tumor responses, mounting evidence suggests Th17/Tc17 cells should be utilized by themselves or for the induction of optimal Th1 responses. It is therefore important to understand the factors involved in the induction of both type-1 and type-17 T-cell responses by DCs.