CD4+ T Cells

Abstract

CD4+ T cells are components of the adaptive immune system that have a diverse repertoire of functions, which are defined by the production of specific cytokines and expression of distinct intracellular transcription factors and surface chemokine receptors. The functional diversity of T cells is demonstrated by the association of certain CD4+ T cell types (including Th1 CD4+ T cells) with positive cancer prognosis and other CD4+ T cell types (including T regulatory and Th2 CD4+ T cells) with a negative cancer prognosis. While the presence of CD4+ T cell subtypes correlates with tumor progression, the precise role of CD4+ T cells in such progression remains uncertain based on the indirect role that CD4+ T cells often play in helping or suppressing other immune cell types (including CD8+ T cells, dendritic cells, NK cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells). Clinical therapies focusing on generating anti-tumor CD4+ Tcell responses have been met with limited success. However, new approaches including Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) may be increase the viability of CD4+ T cells as a potential therapeutic modality in the treatment of cancer.