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Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

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Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...

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When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 3, 2026

In Vitro Differentiation of Human CD4+FOXP3+ Induced Regulatory T Cells (iTregs) from Naïve CD4+ T Cells Using a TGF-β-containing Protocol

In Vitro Differentiation of Human CD4⁺FOXP3⁺ Induced Regulatory T Cells (iTregs) from Naïve CD4⁺ T Cells Using a TGF-β-containing Protocol

Published on: December 30, 2016

FOXP3-specific immunity.

Mads Hald Andersen¹

¹Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT); Department of Hematology; Copenhagen University Hospital; Herlev, Denmark.

|February 6, 2014

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells targeting Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) are found in human blood, particularly in cancer patients. These cells can identify and eliminate FOXP3-expressing malignant T cells and dendritic cells, indicating a role in immune regulation.

Keywords:

CTL HLA class I restricted T-cell epitope Tregs antigen foxp3

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Last Updated: May 3, 2026

In Vitro Differentiation of Human CD4+FOXP3+ Induced Regulatory T Cells (iTregs) from Naïve CD4+ T Cells Using a TGF-β-containing Protocol

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Published on: December 30, 2016

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Mouse Naïve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets

Mouse Naïve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets

Published on: April 16, 2015

Area of Science:

Immunology
Cellular Biology
Oncology

Background:

Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) is a key transcription factor in immune regulation.
Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells play a crucial role in adaptive immunity.
The presence and function of FOXP3-specific T cells in humans are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the presence and function of FOXP3-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
To determine if these T cells can recognize and kill FOXP3-expressing cells, including malignant T cells and dendritic cells (DCs).

Main Methods:

Isolation and characterization of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from human subjects.
Assays to detect and quantify FOXP3-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells.
Functional assays to assess the recognition and killing of FOXP3-expressing target cells (DCs and malignant T cells).

Main Results:

FOXP3-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells were identified in human PBMCs, with higher prevalence observed in cancer patients.
These T cells demonstrated the ability to specifically recognize and kill dendritic cells exposed to FOXP3 and regulatory T cells.
The cytotoxic T cells were also capable of eliminating FOXP3-positive malignant T cells.

Conclusions:

The natural occurrence of FOXP3-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in human PBMCs suggests their involvement in immune surveillance.
These cells may play a significant role in the immune response against cancers involving FOXP3-expressing malignant T cells.
Further research into FOXP3-specific T cells could reveal novel therapeutic strategies for cancer immunotherapy.