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Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Production and Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species ROS in Cancers
Published on: November 21, 2011
T cells and reactive oxygen species
Aleksey V Belikov1, Burkhart Schraven2, Luca Simeoni3
1Otto-von-Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106, Magdeburg, Germany. belikov.research@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been long considered simply as harmful by-products of metabolism, which damage cellular proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. ROS are also known as a weapon of phagocytes, employed against pathogens invading the host. However, during the last decade, an understanding has emerged that ROS also have important roles as signaling messengers in a multitude of pathways, in all cells, tissues, and organs. T lymphocytes are the key players of the adaptive immune response, which both coordinate other immune cells and destroy malignant and virus-infected cells. ROS have been extensively implicated in T-cell hyporesponsiveness, apoptosis, and activation. It has also become evident that the source, the kinetics, and the localization of ROS production all influence cell responses. Thus, the characterization of the precise mechanisms by which ROS are involved in the regulation of T-cell functions is important for our understanding of the immune response and for the development of new therapeutic treatments against immune-mediated diseases. This review summarizes the 30-year-long history of research on ROS in T lymphocytes, with the emphasis on the physiological roles of ROS.
Insights
Reactive oxygen species (ROS), once viewed as harmful, are now recognized as vital signaling messengers. This review details their crucial physiological roles in T lymphocyte function and immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were traditionally considered metabolic by-products causing cellular damage.
- Emerging evidence highlights ROS as critical signaling molecules involved in diverse cellular pathways.
- T lymphocytes are central to adaptive immunity, regulating immune responses and eliminating infected cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical and physiological roles of ROS in T lymphocytes.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of ROS involvement in T-cell function.
- To highlight the importance of ROS in immune responses and potential therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of research on ROS and T lymphocytes over 30 years.
- Analysis of studies investigating ROS production, localization, and kinetics.
- Synthesis of findings on ROS impact on T-cell activation, apoptosis, and hyporesponsiveness.
Main Results:
- ROS function not only as damaging agents but also as essential signaling messengers.
- ROS production source, kinetics, and localization critically influence T-cell responses.
- ROS are implicated in T-cell activation, apoptosis, and hyporesponsiveness.
Conclusions:
- ROS play multifaceted physiological roles in T lymphocyte regulation.
- Understanding ROS mechanisms in T cells is key for immune response comprehension.
- Targeting ROS pathways may offer new therapeutic strategies for immune-mediated diseases.
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