Erschienen in:
01.10.2004 | Review
Replicative senescence of CD8 T cells: potential effects on cancer immune surveillance and immunotherapy
verfasst von:
Rita B. Effros
Erschienen in:
Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy
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Ausgabe 10/2004
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Abstract
The process of replicative senescence, which stringently limits the proliferative potential of normal T cells, constitutes a potential problem for cancer immunotherapy. The ability of CD8 T cells to recognize and destroy tumor cells has been well-established, but the requirement for massive, prolonged proliferative T-cell expansion and maintenance of functional integrity poses a significant obstacle to the success of cancer immunotherapy. Cancer immune surveillance may also be compromised by the long-term exposure of T cells to tumor antigens, particularly those of latent viruses, which could drive certain T cells to replicative senescence. This review summarizes the major characteristics of T-cell replicative senescence and raises the possibility that this process has the potential to affect both cancer development and treatment. Experimental strategies aimed at preventing T-cell replicative senescence are discussed in the context of cancer immunotherapy and vaccines.