Tumor vascularity in ovarian cancer: T cells need breathing room

Oncoimmunology. 2014 Apr 8:3:e28272. doi: 10.4161/onci.28272. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are crucial for effective antitumor responses. However, hypoxia can skew T-cell differentiation and function, thereby perturbing TILs. We have demonstrated that TILs and their immune function are associated with tumor vascularization. These features are prognostic for improved disease-specific survival in ovarian cancer. Thus, new immunotherapies should consider how hypoxia impacts antitumor immunity.

Keywords: CD31; T cell; VEGF; autophagy; hypoxia; ovarian cancer.