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Immunoregulatory T cells: Role and potential as a target in malignancy

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Abstract

Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are a highly specialized subset of immune cells capable of specifically suppressing autoreactive cells and thereby preventing autoimmunity. Treg cells also play an important role in limiting the immune reaction in infectious diseases. In the context of malignancies, however, accumulation of Treg cells occurs in the tumor microenvironment. Treg cells have been associated with prevention of antitumor immunity and the evasion of efficient recognition of tumor antigens. In the past few years, several approaches have been developed to target and deplete Treg cells in the context of tumors. Overall, these interventions have the potential to eliminate Treg cells and thereby help strengthen antitumor immunity by vaccination.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Molecular Tumor Biology and Tumor Immunology, Clinic I for Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62/Haus 16 UG, 50931, Cologne, Germany

    Marc Beyer

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  1. Marc Beyer
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  2. Joachim L. Schultze
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Correspondence to Marc Beyer.

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Beyer, M., Schultze, J.L. Immunoregulatory T cells: Role and potential as a target in malignancy. Curr Oncol Rep 10, 130–136 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-008-0021-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-008-0021-z

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