Interferon α interferes with immunological tolerance

Abstract

The ability of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to promote immunological tolerance represents an important obstacle in cancer immunotherapy. We have recently discovered that the clinically established immunotherapeutic agent interferon a (IFNα) inactivates the suppressive functions of human Tregs. Here, we outline the mechanisms whereby IFNα mediates this important function and discuss its therapeutic implications for cancer immunotherapy. © 2013 Landes Bioscience.