T cell fate in the tumor microenvironment

Abstract

Immune infiltration of tumors is a well-known phenomenon in cancer patients. Nevertheless, the tumor and immune cell coexisting scenario is often accompanied by efficient cancer progression indicating a compromised immune phenotype. As a matter of fact, it is well documented that a wealthy source of immune-suppressive molecular and cellular networks at the tumor site foster faulty T cell responses and ultimately redirect T cell fate and patient outcome. In this chapter, we summarize recent discoveries of the acquired dysfunctions of effector T cells in the tumor microenvironment due to the lack of proper activation networks and underlying enforcers regulating T cell unresponsiveness and their impact in new therapeutic development. Specifically, the advance in the Th17 balance, T cell stemness, and polyfunctionality of T cells which may improve clinic outcome.