Targeting regulatory T cells in cancer.

Abstract

Infiltration of tumors by regulatory T cells confers growth and metastatic advantages by inhibiting antitumor immunity and by production of receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) ligand, which may directly stimulate metastatic propagation of RANK-expressing cancer cells. Modulation of regulatory T cells can enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Strategies include depletion, interference with function, inhibition of tumoral migration, and exploitation of T-cell plasticity. Problems with these strategies include a lack of specificity, resulting in depletion of antitumor effector T cells or global interruption of regulatory T cells, which may predispose to autoimmune diseases. Emerging technologies, such as RNA interference and tetramer-based targeting, may have the potential to improve selectivity and efficacy.

• Authors: William L Byrne, Kingston H G Mills, James A Lederer, Gerald C O'Sullivan
• Journal: Cancer research (Cancer Res) Vol. 71 Issue 22 Pg. 6915-20 (Nov 15 2011) ISSN: 1538-7445 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22068034 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: ©2011 AACR

Chemical References

• CTLA-4 Antigen
• FOXP3 protein, human
• Forkhead Transcription Factors

Topics

• CTLA-4 Antigen (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Forkhead Transcription Factors (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Humans
• Lymphocyte Depletion
• Neoplasms (immunology, therapy)
• T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory (immunology)