Regulatory T cells in cancer biology: a possible new target for biochemical therapies.
CD4+ CD25+ T cells are essential for maintenance of self-tolerance and therefore have been referred to as regulatory T cells (Treg). Experimental tumor models revealed that Treg are potent inhibitors of an anti-tumor immune response. Treg are expanded in human cancer. Currently, a variety of strategies for the induction of a specific anti-tumor immune response are tested in preclinical and clinical settings. Biochemical strategies modifying and/or depleting Treg in cancer patients for an enhancement of vaccine-based therapeutic concepts will be discussed in detail in this review.
Wolf
Dominik
D
Division of Hematology and Oncology, Laboratory for Tumorimmunology, Department of Intenal Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University, Austria. dominik.wolf@uibk.ac.at
Rumpold
Holger
H
Wolf
Anna-Maria
AM
D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*