Regulatory T Cells and Host Anti-CML Responses
Abstract
CD4+CD25+FoxP-3+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) suppress immune responses to 'self' antigens, but also have been shown to suppress host anti-tumor responses in several human malignancies, including breast, gastrointestinal, and ovarian cancer. Identification of CML Tregs as suppressors of host anti-CML responses could have a significant impact upon CML treatment strategies. Methods are currently available to selectively suppress Tregs and subsequently boost host anti-CML responses. We have examined the CD4+CD25+FoxP-3+ regulatory T-cell population in the peripheral blood from healthy individuals and those with CML using flow cytometry. Our results demonstrate that subjects with CML who have detectable residual disease have a larger percentage of CD4's that are Tregs (6.89% +/- 3.32 vs 1.94% +/- 0.99, p 0.003)and a >3.5 fold larger absolute number of circulating CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T-cells (1,743 +/- 1,350 vs 455 +/- 234, p0.02), consistent with our hypothesis. The larger numbers of circulating Treg's appears to correlate with CML disease activity. We are continuing to examine functional correlates of this CML Treg population.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA510759
Entities
People
- K. K. Wong Jr.