CD4⁺ T Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy

Abstract: In recent years the realization that CD4⁺ T cells play a critical role in cancer immunotherapy has received growing attention. CD4⁺ T cells have been shown capable of mediating tumor regression on their own by IFN-γ. CD4⁺ T helper cells are important for activating CD8⁺ T cells， in vivo survival as well as expansion of tumor-reactive memorial CTL. To induce both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ anti-tumoral response may be perfect for cancer immunotherapy. CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells might normally be elicited against self-antigens expressed by tumors. Treg cells are involved in the maintenance of tolerance and the down-regulation of the anti-tumor response. Treg cells have been also pointed out as one of the major reasons for the failure of immunotherapies. Counteracting Treg cells activity may significantly enhance clinical efficiency of therapeutic tumor vaccine.
    

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2008.01.0007