In Situ Prior Proliferation of CD4+ CCR6+ Regulatory T Cells Facilitated by TGF-β Secreting DCs Is Crucial for Their Enrichment and Suppression in Tumor Immunity
2011

How CCR6+ Tregs Help Tumors Grow

Sample size: 12 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Xu Lin, Xu Wei, Wen Zhenke, Xiong Sidong

Primary Institution: Soochow University, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Zunyi Medical College

Hypothesis

The study investigates the mechanism behind the enrichment of CCR6+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in tumor mass during breast cancer progression.

Conclusion

CCR6+ Tregs are enriched in tumor mass due to their prior in situ proliferation, which is triggered by tumor-resident dendritic cells in a TGF-β dependent manner.

Supporting Evidence

  • CCR6+ Tregs were found to proliferate more than CCR6− Tregs in tumor mass.
  • Tumor-resident dendritic cells were shown to promote the proliferation of CCR6+ Tregs.
  • Adoptive transfer of CCR6+ Tregs inhibited CD8+ T cell function more effectively than CCR6− Tregs.

Takeaway

In tumors, a special type of immune cell called CCR6+ Tregs grows more than others, helping the tumor avoid being attacked by the body's defenses.

Methodology

The study used flow cytometry to analyze Tregs in a murine breast cancer model, assessing their proliferation and frequency in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes.

Participant Demographics

Female Balb/c mice and Balb/c nude mice, 5–6 weeks of age.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0020282

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication