Regulatory T cells in tumor microenvironment: new mechanisms, potential therapeutic strategies and future prospects

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) characterized by the expression of the master transcription factor forkhead box protein p3 (Foxp3) suppress anticancer immunity, thereby hindering protective immunosurveillance of tumours and hampering effective antitumour immune responses in tumour-bearing hosts, constitute a current research hotspot in the field. However, Tregs are also essential for the maintenance of the immune tolerance of the body and share many molecular signalling pathways with conventional T cells, including cytotoxic T cells, the primary mediators of tumour immunity. Hence, the inability to specifically target and neutralize Tregs in the tumour microenvironment without globally compromising self-tolerance…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 81803051, 61631001
• CP
  China Postdoctoral Science Foundation

  Awards: 2018T110015, 2017M620545
• NS
  Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality

  Award: 7192220