title: CD4+ T lymphocytes: a critical component of antitumor immunity.
abstract: Both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines targeting a wide variety of cancers are being developed. Because of the potency of cell-mediated immunity, many vaccine strategies are focused on activating tumor-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes. CD4+ T lymphocytes are a key element in optimal activation of CD8+ T cells and in the maintenance of immune memory, and therefore their activation is critical for cancer vaccine efficacy. This article reviews the mechanisms by which CD4+ T cells facilitate tumor immunity and the vaccine strategies that enhance CD4+ T cell activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland 21250, USA. srosenbe@umbc.edu
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ostrand-Rosenberg
mesh_terms: D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D015704:CD4 Antigens; D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2