Immunology Case Reports

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +1 (202) 780-3397

Mini Review - Immunology Case Reports (2023) Volume 6, Issue 3

Harnessing the Antitumor Potential of CD8+ T Cells with Fewer Side Effects

Shane Crude*

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, United States

*Corresponding Author:
Shane Crude
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Columbia University
United States
E-mail:shane@cumc.columbia.edu

Received:17-May-2023, Manuscript No. AAICR-23-101416; Editor assigned:19-May-2023, PreQC No. AAICR-23-101416(PQ); Reviewed:03-Jun-2023, QC No. AAICR-23-101416; Revised:07-Jun-2023, Manuscript No. AAICR-23-101416(R); Published:14-Jun-2023, DOI:10.35841/aaicr-6.3.148

Citation: Crude S. Harnessing the Antitumor Potential of CD8+ T Cells with Fewer Side Effects. Immunol Case Rep. 2023;6(3):148

Visit for more related articles at Immunology Case Reports

Abstract

CD8+ T cells, known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), have emerged as a critical component of the immune system with potent antitumor potential. These specialized immune cells can recognize and eliminate cancer cells, offering promising avenues for cancer immunotherapy. CD8+ T cells exhibit the ability to recognize tumor-associated antigens, trigger immune responses, and exert cytotoxic effects on cancer cells through the release of cytotoxic molecules. However, maximizing the efficacy of CD8+ T cells while minimizing associated side effects remains a challenge.

Keywords

CD8+ T cells, Cytotoxic T lymphocytes, Antitumor potential, Cancer immunotherapy, Tumor antigen recognition, Effector function, Adoptive cell therapy.

Introduction

In the fight against cancer, researchers and medical professionals are continuously exploring novel strategies to improve the efficacy of cancer treatments while minimizing adverse side effects. One such approach gaining significant attention is the utilization of CD8+ T cells, a key component of the immune system, for their remarkable antitumor potential. This article delves into the promising antitumor capabilities of CD8+ T cells and highlights recent advancements aimed at reducing the side effects associated with their use [1].

Understanding CD8+ T Cells

CD8+ T cells, also known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), play a pivotal role in immune surveillance against cancerous cells. These specialized immune cells possess the unique ability to recognize and eliminate malignant cells throughout the body. CD8+ T cells recognize specific tumor-associated antigens presented on the surface of cancer cells, triggering an immune response those results in the destruction of the tumor [2].

Antitumor Potential of CD8+ T Cells

The antitumor potential of CD8+ T cells has been extensively studied, and their effectiveness has been demonstrated in various types of cancer. These cells can infiltrate solid tumors, recognizing and destroying cancerous cells directly. Moreover, they have the capacity to induce immunological memory, providing long-term protection against tumor recurrence. CD8+ T cells are an essential component of the adaptive immune system and are known for their potent antitumor activity. These cells play a crucial role in recognizing and eliminating cancer cells, thereby exerting significant control over tumor growth and metastasis. Understanding the mechanisms underlying their antitumor potential has paved the way for innovative immunotherapeutic strategies [3].

While CD8+ T cells hold tremendous therapeutic potential; several challenges must be addressed to maximize their effectiveness. Researchers are actively exploring strategies to improve and potentiate the antitumor function of CD8+ T cells. Adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded CD8+ T cells has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. This approach involves isolating CD8+ T cells from a patient's blood, expanding and enhancing them in the laboratory, and then infusing them back into the patient. Recent advances in ACT have shown encouraging results, with some patients achieving complete remission. Genetic modification of CD8+ T cells to express chimeric antigen receptors has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy. CAR T cells are engineered to recognize specific tumor antigens, enhancing their specificity and cytotoxicity against cancer cells. CAR T cell therapies have shown remarkable success in treating certain blood cancers, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphomas [4].

While the therapeutic potential of CD8+ T cells is immense, their use can be associated with side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity. However, recent advances have focused on reducing these side effects, allowing for safer and more effective CD8+ T cell-based therapies. Scientists are exploring innovative techniques to improve the precision and targeted delivery of CD8+ T cells to tumor sites. This includes employing nanoparticles or other carriers that can specifically transport the cells to the tumor microenvironment, minimizing off-target effects and reducing systemic toxicity. By further modifying CD8+ T cells, researchers are aiming to reduce the occurrence of adverse events. Genetic engineering techniques can be employed to enhance the control mechanisms of CD8+ T cells, allowing for more precise regulation of their activity and reducing the risk of excessive immune activation. Combining CD8+ T cell-based therapies with other treatment modalities, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors or targeted therapies, holds promise for enhancing antitumor responses while minimizing side effects. These synergistic approaches can potentially optimize the immune response and improve patient outcomes [5].

Conclusion

The antitumor potential of CD8+ T cells has revolutionized the field of cancer immunotherapy. These remarkable immune cells have the ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, offering a promising avenue for the development of effective cancer treatments. Through their tumor antigen recognition and effector functions, CD8+ T cells can orchestrate immune responses that lead to tumor regression and long-term protection against tumor recurrence.

References

  1. Meng W, Hao Y, He C, et al. Exosome-orchestrated hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Mol Cancer. 2019;18(2):5-7.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Garnier D, Magnus N, Meehan B, et al. Qualitative changes in the proteome of extracellular vesicles accompanying cancer cell transition to mesenchymal state. Exp. Cell Res. 2013;319(17):2747-57.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Thorburn J, Andrysik Z, Staskiewicz L, et al. Autophagy controls the kinetics and extent of mitochondrial apoptosis by regulating PUMA levels. Cell Rep. 2014;7(1):45–52.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Ichim G, Lopez J, Ahmed SU, et al. Limited mitochondrial permeabilization causes DNA damage and genomic instability in the absence of cell death. Mol. Cell. 2015;57(5):860-72.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Mulcahy Levy JM, Thorburn A. Autophagy in cancer: moving from understanding mechanism to improving therapy responses in patients. Cell Death Differ. 2020;27:843-57.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App