CD4+ T cells are able to promote tumor growth through inhibition of tumor-specific CD8+ T-cell responses in tumor-bearing hosts

Modulation of the immune response by established tumors may contribute to the limited success of therapeutic vaccination for the treatment of cancer compared with vaccination in a preventive setting. We analyzed the contribution of the CD4+ T-cell population to the induction or suppression of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells in a tumor model in which eradication of tumors crucially depends on CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity. Vaccine-mediated induction of protective antitumor immunity in the preventive setting (i.e., before tumor challenge) was CD4+ T cell dependent because depletion of this T-cell subset prevented CD8+ T-cell induction. In contrast, depletion of CD4+ cells in mice bearing established E1A+ tumors empowered the mice to raise strong CD8+ T-cell immunity capable of tumor eradication without the need for tumor-specific vaccination. Spontaneous eradication of tumors, which had initially grown out, was similarly observed in MHC class II-deficient mice, supporting the notion that the tumor-bearing mice harbor a class II MHC-restricted CD4+ T-cell subset capable of suppressing a tumor-specific CD8+ T-cell immune response. The deleterious effects of the presence of CD4+ T cells in tumor-bearing hosts could be overcome by CD40-triggering or injection of CpG. Together these results show that CD4+ T cells with a suppressive activity are rapidly induced following tumor development and that their suppressive effect can be overcome by agents that activate professional antigen-presenting cells. These observations are important for the development of immune interventions aiming at treatment of cancer.     

CD4+ T cells inhibit the neu-specific CD8+ T-cell exhaustion during the priming phase of immune responses against breast cancer

Studies conducted in animal model of infectious diseases or H-Y antigen model suggest a crucial role for CD4+ T cells in providing help for CD8+ T-cell memory responses. This concept suggests that inclusion of T helper epitopes in vaccine formulation will result in improved CD8+ T-cell responses. Although this concept has been applied to cancer vaccine design, the role of CD4+ T cells in the memory differentiation of CD8+ T cells and retention of their anti-tumor function have never been tested in breast cancer model. Using the FVB mouse model of neu-positive breast carcinoma we report for the first time that helpless T cells showed cytostatic or tumor inhibitory effects during primary tumor challenge whereas, helped T cells showed cytotoxic effects and resulted in complete tumor rejection. Such differential effects, in vivo, were associated with higher frequency of CD8+PD-L1+ and CD8+PD-1+ T cells in animals harboring helpless T cells as well as higher titer of IL-2 in the sera of animals harboring helped T cells. However, depletion of CD4+ T cells did not alter the ability of neu-specific CD8+ T cells to differentiate into memory cells and to retain their effector function against the tumor during recall challenge. These results suggest the inhibitory role of CD4+ T cells on CD8+ T-cell exhaustion without substantial effects on the differentiation of memory T cells during priming phase of the immune responses against breast cancer.     

Synthetic CD4+ T cell-targeted antigen-presenting cells elicit protective antitumor responses

CD4(+) helper T cells are critical for protective immune responses and yet suboptimally primed in response to tumors. Cell-based vaccination strategies are under evaluation in clinical trials but limited by the need to derive antigen-presenting cells (APC) from patients or compatible healthy donors. To overcome these limitations, we developed CD4(+) T cell-targeted synthetic microbead-based artificial APC (aAPC) and used them to activate CD4(+) T lymphocytes specific for a tumor-associated model antigen (Ag) directly from the naive repertoire. In vitro, aAPC specifically primed Ag-specific CD4(+) T cells that were activated to express high levels of CD44, produced mainly interleukin 2, and could differentiate into Th1-like or Th2-like cells in combination with polarizing cytokines. I.v. administration of aAPC led to Ag-specific CD4(+) T-cell activation and proliferation in secondary lymphoid organs, conferred partial protection against subcutaneous tumors, and prevented the establishment of lung metastasis. Taken together, our data support the use of cell-free, synthetic aAPC as a specific and versatile alternative to expand peptide-specific CD4(+) T cells in adoptive and active immunotherapy.     

癸酸能够活化CD8+ T细胞并提高其抗肿瘤免疫反应能力

目的：探究中链脂肪酸癸酸对CD8+ T细胞活化的影响,及其对CD8+ T细胞介导的抗肿瘤免疫反应的作用和机制。方法：建立C57BL/6小鼠黑色素瘤B16F10 皮下荷瘤模型,随机分为癸酸组（10 mg/kg 癸酸灌胃）和对照组（等量溶剂灌胃）,观察癸酸对小鼠肿瘤生长以及生存率的影响,采用流式细胞术检测肿瘤微环境中浸润CD8+ T细胞的活化水平。建立B16F10-OVA和OT-I T细胞共培养体系,采用流式细胞术检测癸酸对CD8+ T细胞的肿瘤细胞杀伤能力的影响。采用α-CD8抗体清除B16F10 荷瘤小鼠体内CD8+ T细胞,观察对小鼠肿瘤体积的影响。小鼠原代CD8+ T细胞经癸酸处理后,采用WB、ELISA及qPCR、流式细胞术检测T细胞受体（TCR）活化、效应细胞因子产生以及增殖和代谢水平。在B16F10荷瘤小鼠模型中,观察α-PD-1抗体联合癸酸给药对小鼠肿瘤生长以及生存率的影响。结果：在小鼠黑色素瘤荷瘤模型中,与对照组相比,癸酸组小鼠移植瘤体积显著降低且生存率显著提高（均P<0.05）,肿瘤浸润CD8+ T细胞IFN-γ和TNF-α的表达水平显著升高（P<0.01）。经癸酸处理的OT-I T细胞对B16F10-OVA细胞的杀伤水平显著升高（P<0.01）。在荷瘤小鼠模型中用α-CD8 抗体清除CD8+ T 细胞后,癸酸对移植瘤的抑制作用显著降低（P<0.000 1）。小鼠原代CD8+ T细胞经癸酸处理后,TCR活化水平显著升高、细胞因子IL-2和IFN-γ的产生增多、线粒体代谢水平显著上调（均P<0.05）。在黑色素瘤荷瘤小鼠模型中,癸酸与α-PD-1抗体联用,能够显著抑制小鼠移植瘤生长并提高其生存率（均P<0.05）。结论：癸酸能够促进CD8+ T细胞活化、增强其抗肿瘤免疫反应能力。     

宫颈癌患者局部组织中T细胞免疫与CD4~+ CD25~+ FOXP3~+ 调节性T细胞的表达

目的探讨宫颈癌患者局部组织中T细胞免疫与CD4~+ CD25~+ FOXP3~+ 调节性T(Treg)细胞的表达。方法选取2009年1月至2010年12月间收治的40例宫颈癌患者为研究组,另选同期行子宫肌瘤全子宫切除术后的正常宫颈20例患者和2010年9月行体检的健康者20名为对照组。采用流式细胞术检测外周血中CD3~+ 、CD4~+ 、CD8~+ 的T细胞亚群、以及CD4~+ CD25~+ Foxp3~+ Treg细胞的百分比;免疫组织化学SP法检测宫颈癌组织中肿瘤浸润淋巴细胞(TILs)CD3~+ TILs、CD4~+ TILs、CD8~+ TILs及Treg细胞的分布及20例正常宫颈组织中CD3~+ T细胞、CD4~+ T细胞、CD8~+ T细胞、Treg细胞的分布情况。结果正常宫颈组织中不表达Treg细胞;宫颈癌组织中CD3~+ TILs、CD4~+ TILs、CD8~+ TILs数量高于正常宫颈组织(P<0.05)。宫颈癌患者与正常对照组外周血中CD3~+ 、CD4~+ 及CD8~+ T细胞的数量差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。肿瘤患者外周血中Treg细胞计数明显高于正常对照组(P<0.05)。结论宫颈癌患者局部组织中主要的T淋巴细胞有所增加,局部组织中对恶性肿瘤存在免疫反应,但Treg细胞的升高表明其引发机体对肿瘤的免疫抑制或逃逸。     

Selective suppression of the generation of anti-tumor L3T4+ but not of Lyt-2+ T cell-mediated immunity in the tumor-bearing state

C3H/He mice hyperimmune against syngeneic MH134 hepatoma were prepared by intradermal (id) inoculation of viable tumor cells followed by surgical resection of the tumor and by repeated id challenges with viable tumor cells. Winn assays performed utilizing spleen cells from these mice have revealed that both Lyt-2+ and L3T4+ T cell subsets from MH134-hyperimmune mice produced complete tumor protection. The in vivo tumor-neutralizing activity was also found in spleen cells from tumor-bearing mice at various times after id implantation of MH134 tumor cells. However, in contrast to comparable tumor-neutralization by Lyt-2+ and L3T4+ T subsets from hyperimmune mice, only the Lyt-2+ T cell subset from tumor-bearing mice was capable of mediating the in vivo protective immunity. L3T4+ T cell-mediated immunity was not detectable in the tumor-bearing state irrespective of the length of the sensitization period with a primary growing tumor, but emerged in the mice which resisted the first tumor challenge after the resection of the primary tumor. These results indicate that the emergence of L3T4+ T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity is stage-dependent and the Lyt-2+ T cells represent the main functional subset in the tumor-bearing state, although both subsets of T cells are potentially capable of effecting anti-tumor in vivo immunity. The results are discussed in relation to the selective suppression of the L3T4+ but not of Lyt-2+ T cell function in the tumor-bearing state.     

CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells gradually accumulate in gliomas during tumor growth and efficiently suppress antiglioma immune responses in vivo

The suppressive activity of regulatory T cells (Treg) has been implicated as an important factor limiting immune mediated destruction of tumor cells. However, not much is known about the presence and function of Treg within tumors. Here we show in a syngeneic murine glioma model a time-dependent accumulation of CD4+FoxP3+ Treg in brain tumors. Further analysis revealed a time-dependent upregulation of CD25, CTLA-4, GITR and CXCR4 on intratumoral CD4+FoxP3+ Treg during tumor growth. Moreover, freshly isolated intratumoral Treg were highly suppressive when tested directly ex vivo. Treatment with anti-CD25 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) significantly reduced the number of these highly suppressive CD4+FoxP3+ cells within the growing tumor and provoked a CD4 and CD8 T cell dependent destruction of the glioma cells. Combining Treg depletion with administration of blocking CTLA-4 mAbs further boosted glioma-specific CD4+ and CD8+ effector T cells as well as antiglioma IgG2a antibody titers resulting in complete tumor eradication without any signs of autoimmunity. These data illustrate that intratumoral accumulation and activation of CD4+FoxP3+ Treg act as a dominant immune escape mechanism for gliomas and underline the importance of controlling tumor-infiltrating Treg in glioma immunotherapy.     

非霍奇金淋巴瘤患者血中CD+4 CD+25 T细胞/CD+4 T细胞比率意义初探

  目的 探讨非霍奇金淋巴瘤（NHL）患者外周血中CD+4 CD+25 T细胞／CD+4 T细胞比率的意义。方法 应用流式细胞技术检测15例健康人、41例初诊NHL患者、16例CTOP方案化疗后完全缓解后的NHL患者及25例化疗后未达到完全缓解的患者单位体积内外周血中CD+4 CD+25 T细胞数量和CD+4 T细胞,计算CD+4 CD+25 T细胞占CD+4 T细胞的比率。结果 初诊NHL患者CD+4 CD+25 T细胞／CD+4 T细胞的比率为（7.54±2.31）％,高于健康者的（4.13±1.25）％（P＜0.05）;化疗完全缓解后NHL患者外周血CD+4 CD+25 T细胞／CD+4 T细胞的比率为（6.26±2.28）％,低于初诊化疗前患者的（7.54±2.31％）（P＜0.05）。化疗后未达到完全缓解患者CD+4 CD+25 T细胞／CD+4 T细胞的比率为（7.85±2.12）％,高于化疗后完全缓解的患者的比率（6.26±2.28）％（P＜0.05）。结论 化疗缓解后的NHL患者外周血中CD+4 CD+25 T细胞／CD+4 T细胞的比率较化疗前及化疗未缓解的患者降低,提示CD+4 CD+25 T细胞／CD+4 T细胞的比率可能与NHL患者免疫功能及治疗效果有关。     

CD4^＋CD25^＋调节性T细胞与肿瘤的相关性研究

通过了解CD4^＋CD25^＋调节性T细胞（CD4^＋CD25^＋Treg）表面分子的特性和CD4^＋CD25^＋Treg在外周血和组织中的表达,认识CD4^＋CD25^＋Treg在肿瘤免疫调节中的作用,探索其作用的分子机制。     

CD80 in immune suppression by mouse ovarian carcinoma-associated Gr-1+CD11b+ myeloid cells

An elevated number of Gr-1+CD11b+ myeloid cells has been described in mice bearing transplantable tumors, and has been associated with immune suppression. We examined the role of such myeloid suppressor cells in mice bearing the spontaneously transformed syngeneic mouse ovarian surface epithelial cell line, 1D8. We observed high levels of CD80 expression by Gr-1+CD11b+ cells from spleen, ascites, and tumor tissue of mice bearing 1D8 ovarian carcinoma, whereas CD40 and CD86 were absent. CD80 expression was not detected on Gr-1+CD11b+ cells from na?ve mice. However, the expression of CD80 by Gr-1+CD11b+ cells from na?ve mice was promoted by coculture with 1D8 cells. Because irradiated 1D8 cells, but not 1D8-conditioned medium, up-regulate CD80 expression by Gr-1+CD11b+ cells, this phenomenon likely requires direct interaction. Gr-1+CD11b+ cells derived from 1D8 tumor-bearing mice provided significant suppression of antigen-specific immune responses, but Gr-1+CD11b+ cells from na?ve mice did not. Both short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown and genetic knockout of CD80 expression by Gr-1+CD11b+ cells of 1D8 tumor-bearing mice alleviated the suppression of antigen-specific immune responses. Suppression via CD80 on Gr-1+CD11b+ myeloid cells was mediated by CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells and required CD152. CD80 knockout or antibody blockade of either CD80 or CD152 retarded the growth of 1D8 tumor in mice, suggesting that expression of CD80 on Gr-1+CD11b+ myeloid cells triggered by 1D8 ovarian carcinoma suppresses antigen-specific immunity via CD152 signaling and CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells. Thus, CD80-dependent responses to myeloid suppressor cells may contribute to tumor tolerance and the progression of ovarian carcinoma.     

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in human hematopoietic cell transplantation

Naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (T(reg)) are differentiated T lymphocytes actively involved in the control of peripheral immunity. Over the past few years, a number of animal studies have demonstrated the critical role of these cells in the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). In these models, T(reg) can exert a potent suppressive effect on immune effector cells reactive to host antigens and prevent graft versus host disease (GVHD) while preserving the graft-versus-leukemia effect (GVL). The present review summarizes current knowledge on the role of T(reg) populations in humans following allogeneic HCT. Recent investigations focusing on T(reg) in transplant patients have generated conflicting results mostly due to the use of different parameters to assess T(reg). Nonetheless, these studies suggested that an imbalance between T(reg) and effector cells during immune reconstitution can substantially impair regulatory mechanisms and contributes to the development of GVHD. Building on these studies, a number of therapeutic strategies are being developed to positively modulate T(reg) pools in vivo and prevent or even correct GVHD. Conversely, clinical interventions can also be envisaged to decrease T(reg) activity in vivo and enhance the GVL effect. These potential strategies are discussed herein. Coming years will undoubtedly yield additional knowledge on how to use T(reg) subsets in vivo and successfully control and modulate immune responses in patients post-HCT.     

CD4+CD25+CCR6+调节性T细胞在小鼠乳腺癌模型中对CD8+T细胞的抑制作用

目的：观察CD4+CD25+CCR6+调节性T细胞（简称CCR6+Tregs）体内对CD8+T细胞功能的抑制作用,并探讨其与肿瘤免疫逃逸的关系。方法：建立4T1乳腺癌细胞荷瘤裸鼠模型,FACS分选CCR6+Tregs,检测其Foxp3的表达;FACS分选4T1特异性CD8+T细胞,CFSE标记后分别与CCR6+Tregs或CCR6Tregs共同过继转输入4T1荷瘤裸鼠体内,观察荷瘤裸鼠肿瘤生长情况和小鼠存活时间;FACS检测肿瘤组织中CD8+T细胞的增殖、细胞因子IFNγ的产生和颗粒酶B的表达情况。结果：CCR6+Tregs和CCR6Tregs均高表达Foxp3;CCR6+Tregs和CD8+T细胞共转输组4T1荷瘤裸鼠肿瘤的生长明显快于CCR6Tregs共转输组和CD8+T细胞单转输组,同时该组荷瘤裸鼠生存时间也明显缩短（P<0.05）;CCR6+Tregs和CD8+T细胞共转输组CD8+T细胞的增殖、IFNγ的产生和颗粒酶B的表达均明显低于CCR6Tregs共转输组和CD8+T细胞单转输组（P<0.05）。结论：CCR6+Tregs在体内可以有效抑制CD8+T细胞的功能,其在肿瘤免疫逃逸和肿瘤发生、发展中发挥重要作用。     

Expansion of myeloid immune suppressor Gr+CD11b+ cells in tumor-bearing host directly promotes tumor angiogenesis

We demonstrate a novel tumor-promoting role of myeloid immune suppressor Gr+CD11b+ cells, which are evident in cancer patients and tumor-bearing animals. These cells constitute approximately 5% of total cells in tumors. Tumors coinjected with Gr+CD11b+ cells exhibited increased vascular density, vascular maturation, and decreased necrosis. These immune cells produce high levels of MMP9. Deletion of MMP9 in these cells completely abolishes their tumor-promoting ability. Gr+CD11b+ cells were also found to directly incorporate into tumor endothelium. Consistent with this observation, Gr+CD11b+ cells acquire endothelial cell (EC) properties in tumor microenvironment and proangiogenic culture conditions. Our data provide evidence that Gr+CD11b+ cells of immune origin induced by tumors directly contribute to tumor growth and vascularization by producing MMP9 and differentiating into ECs.     

CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞与抗肿瘤免疫

CD4^＋CD25^＋调节性T（CD4^＋CD25^＋Tr）细胞是一类维持机体自身耐受的T细胞亚群,分布广泛,但不同组织表型有所不同。它们可由胸腺自然产生,也可在外周血中诱导产生,其活化要依赖于特异性抗原的存在。CD4^＋CD25^＋Tr细胞发挥抑制效应是通过细胞接触依赖或分泌细胞因子这两种方式。去除CD4^＋CD25^＋Tr细胞或抑制其功能,重新募集效应性T细胞能够增强机体抗肿瘤作用,这将成为一种可行的肿瘤免疫治疗方法。     

CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞与CD4+T、CD8+T细胞在结直肠癌组织中的分布

 目的 分析CD4+CD25+ FOXP3+调节性T细胞（Treg）与CD4+T、CD8+T在结直肠癌（colorectal carcinoma, CRC）组织中的分布及其与临床病理特征之间的关系。方法 收集42例CRC新鲜手术标本,应用冰冻切片、免疫组织化学SP法检测肿瘤组织和癌旁组织中FOXP3+、CD4+T和CD8+T阳性细胞数。结果 CRC患者肿瘤组织中FOXP3表达水平显著升高,与癌旁组织相比差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）;中低分化组Treg细胞数明显高于高分化组（P<0.01）;淋巴结转移组Treg细胞数明显高于无淋巴结转移组（P<0.05）;癌巢内CD4+、CD8+T细胞数及CD4+/CD8+值显著低于间质（P<0.01）;Ⅲ+Ⅳ期、淋巴结转移组癌巢内CD4+/CD8+比值显著低于Ⅰ+Ⅱ期及无淋巴结转移组（P<0.05）;CRC中Treg数量与癌巢内CD4+/CD8+比值显著负相关（r=-0.605, P<0.01）。结论 CRC的发生发展可能与其癌组织局部微环境中Treg数量变化相关,肿瘤局部Treg数量的增多与T淋巴细胞亚群比例失调可能成为肿瘤免疫逃逸的机制之一。     

Tumor-reactive, SSX-2-specific CD8+ T cells are selectively expanded during immune responses to antigen-expressing tumors in melanoma patients

The SSX-2 gene encodes a tumor-specific antigen expressed in neoplasms of various histological types. By analyzing a tumor-infiltrated lymph node of a melanoma patient bearing an SSX-2-expressing tumor, we have recently identified the first SSX-2-derived CD8(+) T-cell epitope, that corresponds to peptide SSX-2(41-49), and is recognized by specific CTL in an HLA-A2 restricted fashion. Here, we have used fluorescent HLA-A2/SSX-2(41-49) peptide multimeric complexes to analyze the response to SSX-2(41-49) in melanoma patients and healthy donors. Multimer(+) CD8(+) T cells were readily detected in the majority of patients bearing SSX-2-expressing tumors and, at lower proportions, in patients with nonexpressing tumors and healthy donors. Importantly, isolated A2/SSX-2(41-49) multimer(+) CD8(+) T cells exhibited a large functional heterogeneity in terms of antigen recognition and tumor reactivity. SSX-2-specific CTLs isolated from tumor-infiltrated lymph node of antigen-expressing patients as well as from the corresponding peripheral blood mononuclear cells exhibited high functional avidity of antigen recognition and efficiently recognized antigen-expressing tumors. In contrast, SSX-2-specific CTLs isolated from patients with undetectable responses in the tumor-infiltrated lymph node, as well as from healthy donors, recognized the antigen with decreased functional avidity and were not tumor reactive. Together, these data indicate that CD8(+) T-cell responses to SSX-2(41-49) frequently occur in SSX-2-expressing melanoma patients and suggest that SSX-2(41-49)-specific CTLs of high avidity and tumor reactivity are selectively expanded during immune responses to SSX-2-expressing tumors in vivo.     

CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞及其在肿瘤免疫治疗中的意义

CD4^＋ CD25^＋调节性T细胞是具有独特免疫调节功能的T细胞亚群。近年来研究发现各种恶性肿瘤患者外周血及肿瘤环境中该细胞比例增加，去除CD4^＋ CD25^＋调节性T细胞或封闭其抑制功能可以增强抗肿瘤免疫反应。CD4^＋ CD25^＋调节性T细胞成为肿瘤免疫治疗的新靶点。     

Generation of activated killer cells in tumor-bearing hosts

Activated killer (AK) cells were generated in spleen-cell cultures derived from tumor-bearing hosts (TS) whereas, under the same conditions, cultured normal spleen cells (NS) gave little cytotoxicity. The AK effectors were primarily Thy1+, AGM1- and Lyt2- and thus were neither classic cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) nor classic NK cells. These AK cells selectively killed tumor targets of different etiologic origins and did not kill concanavalin-A-induced lymphoblasts. The broad target-cell reactivity of these AK cells was also confirmed by cold target-inhibition experiments. Generation of AK cell correlated with interleukin-2 (IL-2) production, and the levels of AK cells generation paralleled those of IL-2 production. Furthermore, the generation of AK cells was blocked by the anti-IL-2 receptor monoclonal antibody (MAb) (alpha IL-2R), indicating that IL-2 was involved, and thus these AK cells were lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. We previously showed that the expression of AGM1 on LAK precursors disappeared when they differentiated into LAK effectors, indicating that the activated LAK cells lacked AGM1. When examining the serologic phenotype of the LAK precursors in tumor-bearing hosts, we found that they lacked AGM1, which suggested that these LAK precursors were in an "activated" state. These cells were still Thy1-, and were thus different from fully activated LAK effectors which were Thy1+ cells, indicating that the full differentiation of LAK cells in vivo was arrested in the tumor-bearing hosts. We also found that the presence of small amounts of X-irradiated tumor cells prevented the generation of AK cells. These findings suggest that, in the tumor-bearing hosts, the presence of tumor cells triggers the activation of AK precursors; however, the same tumor cells may also be immunosuppressive, which prevents the full differentiation of AK precursors into AK effectors.     

CD4~+CD25~+调节性T细胞与抗肿瘤免疫

CD4~+CD25~+调节性T(CD4~+CD25~+Tr)细胞是一类维持机体自身耐受的T细胞亚群,分布广泛,但不同组织表型有所不同。它们可由胸腺自然产生,也可在外周血中诱导产生,其活化要依赖于特异性抗原的存在。CD4~+CD25~+Tr细胞发挥抑制效应是通过细胞接触依赖或分泌细胞因子这两种方式。去除CD4~+CD25~+Tr细胞或抑制其功能,重新募集效应性T细胞能够增强机体抗肿瘤作用,这将成为一种可行的肿瘤免疫治疗方法。     

CD4+ T cells support polyfunctionality of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells with memory potential in immunological control of tumor

Polyfunctionality/multifunctionality of effector T cells at the single cell level has been shown as an important parameter to predict the quality of T cell response and immunological control of infectious disease and malignancy. However, the fate of polyfunctional CD8⁺ CTLs and the factors that control the polyfunctionality of T cells remain largely unknown. Here we show that the acquisition of polyfunctionality on the initial stimulation is a sensitive immune correlate of CTL survival and memory formation. CD8⁺ T cells with high polyfunctionality, assessed with γ‐interferon and tumor necrosis factor‐α production and surface mobilization of the degranulation marker CD107a, showed enhanced Bcl‐2 expression, low apoptosis, and increased CD127^highKLRG1^low memory precursor phenotype. Consistent with these observations, CD8⁺ T cells were found to acquire high frequency of cells with polyfunctionality when stimulated in conditions known to enhance memory formation, such as the presence of CD4⁺ T cells, interleukin (IL)‐2, or IL‐21. Utilizing T‐cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mouse‐derived CD8⁺ T cells that express a TCR specific for a tumor‐derived neoantigen, we showed that polyfunctional tumor‐specific CTLs generated in the presence of CD4⁺ T cells showed long persistence in vivo and induced enhanced tumor regression when adoptively transferred into mice with progressing tumor. Acquisition of polyfunctionality thus impacts CTL survival and memory formation associated with immunological control of tumor.