Journal Article

Investigating T Cell Immunity in Cancer: Achievements and Prospects

Zeng, Zhen, Cruz, Jazmina G., Leggatt, Graham R., Chew, Hui Yi, Wells, James W.

2021

Overview

T cells play a key role in tumour surveillance, both identifying and eliminating transformed cells. However, as tumours become established they form their own suppressive microenvironments capable of shutting down T cell function, and allowing tumours to persist and grow. To further understand the tumour microenvironment, including the interplay between different immune cells and their role in anti-tumour immune responses, a number of studies from mouse models to clinical trials have been performed. In this review, we examine mechanisms utilized by tumour cells to reduce their visibility to CD8+ Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), as well as therapeutic strategies trialled to overcome these tumour-evasion mechanisms. Next, we summarize recent advances in approaches to enhance CAR T cell activity and persistence over the past 10 years, including bispecific CAR T cell design and early evidence of efficacy. Lastly, we examine mechanisms of T cell infiltration and tumour regression, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of different strategies to investigate T cell function in murine tumour models.

• Publisher: MDPI AG,MDPI
• Subject: Animals / Antigens / Cancer therapies / CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes - immunology / Cytokines / Dendritic cells / Endoplasmic reticulum / Enzymes / Epigenetics / Gene expression / Growth factors / Humans / Immunotherapy / Lymphocytes / Mice / Neoplasms - genetics / Neoplasms - immunology / Neoplasms - therapy / Peptides / Review / T cell receptors / T-Lymphocytes - immunology / T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic - immunology / Tumor Microenvironment - immunology / Tumors / Vaccines