title: Role of CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the control of viral diseases and cancer.
abstract: Our knowledge on the physiological role of CD4(+) T lymphocytes has improved in the last decade: available data convincingly demonstrate that, besides the 'helper' activity, CD4(+) T cells may be also endowed with lytic properties. The cytotoxic function of these effector cells has a relevant role in the control of pathogenic infections and in mediating antitumor immune responses. On these bases, several immunotherapeutic approaches exploiting the cytotoxic properties of CD4(+) T cells are under investigation. This review summarizes available data supporting the functional and therapeutic relevance of cytotoxic CD4(+) T cells, with a particular focus on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related disorders.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Bioimmunotherapy Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS-National Cancer Institute, Aviano (PN), Italy.
authors.forename: Debora
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Martorelli
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Muraro
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Merlo
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Turrini
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rosato
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dolcetti
mesh_terms: D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy