FOXP3+ regulatory T cells as biomarkers in human malignancies.
BACKGROUND
Regulatory T cells (Treg) expressing the FOXP3 forkhead transcription factor maintain immunological self-tolerance and can enable tumour cells to escape immunosurveillance.


OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of studies using FOXP3 as a biomarker in human malignancies, particularly in the context of the antibodies used to detect FOXP3 protein expression, the cell populations selected for study, and the detection and scoring methodologies used.


METHODS
A personal selection of studies analysing FOXP3 as a marker of Treg cells in human malignancies are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
FOXP3 is a useful marker that can be used in routine clinical practise to provide both diagnostic and prognostic information in human malignancies. However, the methods and reagents used to detect FOXP3 can have a significant effect on the robustness of experimental findings and conclusions.
Bignone
Paola A
PA
University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Nuffield Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Headington, Oxfordshire, OX3 9DU, UK.
Banham
Alison H
AH
D000818:Animals; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; C418974:FOXP3 protein, human; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors