GITR pathway activation abrogates tumor immune suppression through loss of regulatory T cell lineage stability.

ABSTRACT: Ligation of GITR (glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-related gene, or TNFRSF18) by agonist antibody has recently entered into early phase clinical trials for the treatment of advanced malignancies. Although the ability of GITR modulation to induce tumor regression is well-documented in preclinical studies, the underlying mechanisms of action, particularly its effects on CD4(+)foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg), have not been fully elucidated. We have previously demonstrated that GITR ligation in vivo by agonist antibody DTA-1 causes a >50% reduction of intra-tumor Treg with down modulation of Foxp3 expression. Here we show that the loss of Foxp3 is tumor-dependent. Adoptively-transferred Foxp3(+)Treg from tumor-bearing animals lose Foxp3 expression in the host when

SUBMITTER: Schaer DA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3885345 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature