Suppression of tumour-specific CD4⁺ T cells by regulatory T cells is associated with progression of human colorectal cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is indirect evidence that T cell responses can control the metastatic spread of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, an enrichment of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) has also been documented.

Objective

To evaluate whether CRC promotes Treg activity and how this influences anti-tumour immune responses and disease progression.

Methods

A longitudinal study of Treg activity on a cohort of patients was performed before and after tumour resection. Specific CD4(+) T cell responses were also measured to the tumour associated antigens carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and 5T4.

Results

Tregs from 62 preoperative CRC patients expressed a highly significant increase in levels of Foxp3 compared to healthy age-matched controls (p=0.007), which returned t

SUBMITTER: Betts G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3388728 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature