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Characterization of Regulatory T Cells in Tumor Suppressive Microenvironments

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Immunotherapy of Cancer

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 651))

Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests that immunotherapy is a promising strategy for treating patients with invasive and metastatic cancers, but clinical trails are discouraging so far. Recent studies showed that several subsets of regulatory tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), such as naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg), and adaptively induced Treg cells of Tr1, Th3, CD8+, as well as γδ Treg cells, have been identified in human cancers. These Treg-cell subsets form a tumor suppressive microenvironment that presents a major barrier to successful anti-tumor immunotherapy. Thus, how to modulate the Treg-cell function in tumor microenvironments is essential for cancer treatment and elimination. To date, there is no unique and selective marker for all subsets of Treg cells, and a combination of assays for Treg-associated markers and suppressive activity is still the most common way used to define these tumor-associated Treg cells. In this chapter, we describe protocols to purify and characterize tumor-associated Treg cells from peripheral blood and TILs of cancer patients, which is critical for predicting clinical outcomes and monitoring the effects of tumor immunotherapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

    Authors
    1. Guangyong Peng
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    Editors and Affiliations

    1. , Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Baylor Plaza One, Houston, 77030, USA

      Patricia Yotnda

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    Peng, G. (2010). Characterization of Regulatory T Cells in Tumor Suppressive Microenvironments. In: Yotnda, P. (eds) Immunotherapy of Cancer. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 651. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-786-0_2

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-786-0_2

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    • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

    • Print ISBN: 978-1-60761-785-3

    • Online ISBN: 978-1-60761-786-0

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