FOXP3 expression in tumor cells and implications for cancer progression.
FOXP3 is a member of the forkhead/winged-helix family of transcriptional regulators. Defects in the FOXP3 gene cause an X-linked autoimmune/immunodeficiency syndrome in humans and the Scurfy phenotype in mice. FOXP3 acts mainly in regulating the development and function of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells. Although initially thought to be specific for these cells, FOXP3 expression has recently been described in non-hematopoietic cells, including epithelial cells of multiple lineages and of different tissue origins. Moreover, FOXP3 expression has been detected in tumor cells of both epithelial and non-epithelial tissues. The role of FOXP3 expression by tumor cells remains controversial, with in vitro studies pointing to an onco-suppressive action, whereas studies conducted on human samples associate FOXP3 expression by tumor cells with metastatic spread. Here, we review evidence for the multi-faceted role of FOXP3 in cancer cells.
Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS-Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
Tiziana
T
Triulzi
Elda
E
Tagliabue
Andrea
A
Balsari
Patrizia
P
Casalini
D000818:Animals; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000378:metabolism
C418974:FOXP3 protein, human; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; C498833:Foxp3 protein, mouse