Regulatory T cells as therapeutic target in Hodgkin's lymphoma

Abstract

Background: The clinical and pathological features of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) reflect an abnormal immune response that results from cytokines and chemokines secreted by Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg (H/R-S) cells and/or the surrounding tissue. Objective: Increasing evidence indicates that H/R-S cells recruit and/or induce regulatory T (Treg) cells that contribute to an ineffective immune clearance of the malignant cell types and may also impair effects of adaptive cellular immunotherapy applied in HL. Methods: In this review we highlight advances in the understanding of immune regulation in HL, and discuss implications for immunotherapy in this disease by targeting Treg cells. However, the origin, development, migration and functional mechanism of these Treg cells are under discussion. Results/conclusion: As studies demonstrate that the depletion and/or manipulation of Treg cells enhance antitumor immunity, these novel treatment approaches may improve the therapy especially for patients with refractory or relapsed HL.

Keywords::

• Hodgkin's lymphoma
• immune surveillance
• immunotherapy
• regulatory T cells
• tumor immunity

Notes