CD4+ T cell help in cancer immunology and immunotherapy

Nat Rev Immunol. 2018 Oct;18(10):635-647. doi: 10.1038/s41577-018-0044-0.

Abstract

Cancer immunotherapy aims to promote the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) within a tumour, assist the priming of tumour-specific CTLs in lymphoid organs and establish efficient and durable antitumour immunity. During priming, help signals are relayed from CD4+ T cells to CD8+ T cells by specific dendritic cells to optimize the magnitude and quality of the CTL response. In this Review, we highlight the cellular dynamics and membrane receptors that mediate CD4+ T cell help and the molecular mechanisms of the enhanced antitumour activity of CTLs. We outline how deficient CD4+ T cell help reduces the response of CTLs and how maximizing CD4+ T cell help can improve outcomes in cancer immunotherapy strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology*

Substances

  • Cytokines