CD8 T Cells and Immunoediting of Breast Cancer
Abstract
T-cells populate breast tumors early in the course of disease and are amongst the most abundant immune effectors in early and advanced lesions. The typical paradigm suggests that T-cells are associated with an improved outcome. Infiltration of CD8 T-cells into the breast cancers often portends a poorer outcome suggesting they have a negative impact. One potential mechanism by which CD8 T-cells may act is by induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In cancer, EMT is used aberrantly and is involved in invasion and metastasis. It has been suggested that tumor antigen-specific CD8 T-cells are the drivers of EMT. The goal of the study is to further define the interactions between CD8 T-cells and breast cancer. It was found that CD8 T cells may be able to directly immunoedit tumor cells through the induction of EMT. This ability of CD8 T-cells may be shared by NK cells. The resulting immunoedited tumor cells have a reduced inflammatory signature and produce immunosuppressive substances, that latter of which may act in an autocrine fashion to modulate tumor functions in addition to their immunosuppressive actions. These findings provide an explanation how an immune response in breast cancers may drive disease progression rather than regression.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA624685
Entities
People
- Keith L Knutson
Organizations
- Mayo Clinic