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Updated: May 10, 2025

Tumor Transplantation for Assessing the Dynamics of Tumor-Infiltrating CD8+ T Cells in Mice
Published on: June 12, 2021
Molecular Mechanisms Governing CD8 T Cell Differentiation and Checkpoint Inhibitor Response in Cancer
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia;
Abstract:
CD8 T cells play a critical role in antitumor immunity. However, over time, they often become dysfunctional or exhausted and ultimately fail to control tumor growth. To effectively harness CD8 T cells for cancer immunotherapy, a detailed understanding of the mechanisms that govern their differentiation and function is crucial. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the molecular pathways that regulate CD8 T cell heterogeneity and function in chronic infection and cancer and outlines how T cells respond to therapeutic checkpoint blockade. We explore how T cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors influence CD8 T cell differentiation, fate choices, and functional states and ultimately dictate their response to therapy. Identifying cells that orchestrate long-term antitumor immunity and understanding the mechanisms that govern their development and persistence are critical steps toward improving cancer immunotherapy.
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