Targeting Regulatory T Cells for Anticancer Therapy

Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) comprise a group of either thymically derived or peripherally induced suppressor CD4+ cells involved in the control of effector T-cells against both self- and foreign-antigens. They are found increased in tumor tissues and are thought to be involved in pathogenesis of cancer by providing tumors with a mechanism to evade immune detection and destruction. Despite the fact that mechanisms of Tregs regulation are still in progress, efforts are made aiming to develop approaches to deplete or inhibit tumor-associated Tregs function. This could lead to restore antitumor immunity and emerging strategies for therapeutic vaccination, and immunotherapeutic targeting of Tregs with specific drugs are underway.