The role of regulatory T cells in ovarian cancer.
Regulatory T cells (T(reg)), also termed suppressor T cells, control self-reactive T cells in the periphery, thereby conferring protection against immunologic self-destruction. While T(reg) are essential for the prevention of autoimmunity, they also inhibit immune responses against tumor antigens. This is corroborated by an increased mortality rate associated with the presence of a high number of intratumoral T(reg). Tumor infiltration by non-T(reg), on the other hand, is predictive for a substantially longer patient survival. These clinical data suggest that ovarian cancer patients can spontaneously mount effective antitumor immune responses that are undermined by T(reg)-mediated tolerization. The present article reviews clinical and experimental findings on T(reg) in ovarian cancer, with special regard to potential therapeutic implications, which may result from the existing evidence.
Dietl
J
J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
Engel
J B
JB
Wischhusen
J
J
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*