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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Multiplexed Immunofluorescence Analysis and Quantification of Intratumoral PD-1+ Tim-3+ CD8+ T Cells
Published on: February 8, 2018
23 assessment of T-cell immune dysfunction in patients with renal cell carcinoma
R G Uzzo1, V Kolenko, A C Novick
1Division of Urologic Oncology, Department of Surgery,Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA.
Abstract:
Functional T cells are the central component of an effective antitumor immune response. However, in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the growth of antigenic tumors proceeds in the absence of significant T-cell responses, posing a distinct obstacle to the development of effective immunotherapy strategies and cancer vaccines. The minimum required elements of a functional antitumor immune T-cell response have been identified, including T cells that can preferentially recognize tumor-associated antigens (1). However, despite increasing evidence that T-cells recognize discrete tumor antigen, transformed cells continue to evade immune destruction, and tumors thereby progress. There is now little doubt that the immune response to tumor antigens is altered in patients with cancer (2). This rarely manifests clinically as generalized immune suppression, which may reflect the antigen specificity of the immune dysfunction in the initial stages of the disease.
Insights
In renal cell carcinoma (RCC), T-cell responses are absent, hindering immunotherapy. Understanding this immune dysfunction is key to developing effective cancer treatments and vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Functional T cells are crucial for antitumor immune responses.
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients exhibit a lack of T-cell response, impeding immunotherapy and cancer vaccine development.
- Tumor cells evade immune destruction despite T-cell recognition of tumor antigens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms behind the absent T-cell response in renal cell carcinoma.
- To identify the specific immune dysfunctions that allow tumor progression in RCC.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of T-cell function in RCC patients.
- Assessment of immune response to tumor-associated antigens in the context of RCC.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests altered immune responses to tumor antigens in cancer patients.
- Immune dysfunction in early-stage RCC appears antigen-specific rather than generalized suppression.
Conclusions:
- The lack of T-cell response in RCC is a significant barrier to effective immunotherapy.
- Further research into antigen-specific immune dysfunction is needed to overcome immune evasion in RCC.
