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CD25+CD4+ regulatory T-cells in cancer

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Abstract

Regulatory T-cells (Treg) protect the host from autoimmune disease by suppressing self-reactive immune cells. As such, Treg may also block antitumor immune responses. Recent observations by us and others showed that the prevalence of Treg is increased in cancer patients, particularly in the tumor environment. Our studies in a mouse pancreas cancer model suggest that the tumor actively promotes the accural of Treg through several mechanisms involving activation of naturally occurring Treg as well as conversion of non-Treg into Treg. Our studies focus on further defining these mechanisms with the ultimate goal of designing strategies that block Treg-mediated suppression in cancer patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery and Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, 63110, St. Louis, MO

    David C. Linehan & Peter S. Goedegebuure

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  1. David C. Linehan
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  2. Peter S. Goedegebuure
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Correspondence to David C. Linehan.

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Linehan, D.C., Goedegebuure, P.S. CD25+CD4+ regulatory T-cells in cancer. Immunol Res 32, 155–168 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1385/IR:32:1-3:155

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