Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in T-cell immunity and cancer immunotherapy.

ABSTRACT: Wnt ligands are lipid-modified secreted glycoproteins that regulate embryonic development, cell fate specification, and the homeostasis of self-renewing adult tissues. In addition to its well-established role in thymocyte development, recent studies have indicated that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is critical for the differentiation, polarization, and survival of mature T lymphocytes. Here, we describe our current understanding of Wnt signaling in the biology of post-thymic T cells, and discuss how harnessing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway might improve the efficacy of vaccines, T-cell-based therapies, and allogeneic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of patients with cancer.

SUBMITTER: Gattinoni L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3393131 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature