T lymphocyte subsets in cancer immunity: Friends or foes

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) shows success in some cancers, but patient response varies.
• T lymphocytes within the tumor microenvironment are critical for immune surveillance and therapy efficacy.
• A deeper understanding of T cell subsets' roles is needed to enhance cancer immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse roles of T cell subsets in various cancer types.
• To highlight the antitumor functions of cytotoxic T cells and Th1 cells.
• To explore the ambivalent roles of Th2, Th17, and T regulatory cells, and the emerging role of Th9 cells in cancer immunity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of T cell subsets in cancer immunity.
• Analysis of pro- and antitumor functions of major T cell populations.
• Identification of mechanisms and therapeutic targets within T cell-mediated cancer immunity.

Main Results:

• Cytotoxic T cells and Th1 cells are key antitumor effectors.
• Th2, Th17, and T regulatory cells exhibit context-dependent, often ambivalent, roles.
• Th9 cells show a favorable and emerging role in cancer immunity.
• Mechanisms of T cell action and potential therapeutic targets are identified.

Conclusions:

• T cell subsets play complex roles in cancer immunity, influencing therapeutic outcomes.
• Targeting specific T cell subsets and their pathways can potentially improve immune response and patient prognosis.
• Further research into T cell functions offers promising avenues for novel cancer immunotherapies.