Deciphering CD4+ T cell-mediated responses against cancer

Mol Carcinog. 2024 Jul;63(7):1209-1220. doi: 10.1002/mc.23730. Epub 2024 May 9.

Abstract

It's been long thought that CD8+ cytotoxic T cells play a major role in T cell-mediated antitumor responses, whereas CD4+ T cells merely provide some assistance to CD8+ T cells as the "helpers." In recent years, numerous studies support the notion that CD4+ T cells play an indispensable role in antitumor responses. Here, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge regarding the roles of CD4+ T cells in antitumor responses and immunotherapy, with a focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind these observations. These new insights on CD4+ T cells may pave the way to further optimize cancer immunotherapy.

Keywords: CD4; T cell; cancer immunotherapy; tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes* / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy* / methods
  • Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Neoplasms* / therapy