Class I histone deacetylase inhibition is a novel mechanism to target regulatory T cells in immunotherapy

Abstract

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) represent a major obstacle of cancer immunotherapy. We reviewed here our discovery that Class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition can functionally target Tregs and help break the immune tolerance. We also discuss the effects of different classes of HDAC inhibitors on Tregs and the underline mechanisms, which may have a direct impact on designing cancer immunotherapy trials involving HDAC inhibitors. © 2012 Landes Bioscience.