T cell tolerance to tumors and cancer immunotherapy

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007:601:357-68. doi: 10.1007/978-0-387-72005-0_38.

Abstract

It is widely recognized that the immune system plays a role in cancer progression and that some tumors are inherently immunogenic. The identification of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) has stimulated research focused on immunotherapies to mediate the regression of established tumors. Cancer-specific immunity has traditionally been aimed at activating CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) directed against major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-binding peptide epitopes. Other approaches utilize T cell adoptive therapy where autologous, tumor-specific T cells propagated in vitro are transferred back into recipients. However, these strategies have met with limited success in part due to the regulatory mechanisms of T cell tolerance, which poses a considerable challenge to cancer immunotherapy. Our laboratory utilizes the TRansgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) model, a murine model of prostate cancer, to study mechanisms of T cell tolerization to tumor antigens. We previously demonstrated that upon encounter with their cognate antigen in the tumor microenvironment, naive T cell become tolerized. Our ongoing studies are testing whether provision of CD4+ T cells can enhance tumor immunity by preventing CD8+ T cell tolerance. A greater understanding of the interaction between various tumor-specific T cell subsets will facilitate the design of novel approaches to stimulate a more potent antitumor immune response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / chemistry
  • Epitopes / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Immune System / physiology*
  • Immune Tolerance*
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Major Histocompatibility Complex
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Epitopes