The morphogenic role of retinoic acid (RA) in regulating immunity is underscored by our recent studies that show increased regional concentrations of RA and commensurate RA signaling in CD8+ T cells within the tumor microenvironment. This study demonstrated for the first time that intrinsic RA signaling is required for tumor associated antigen (TAA)-specific CD8+ T-cell survival and hence for tumor surveillance.
Keywords: CD8+ T cell; anti-tumor immunity; retinoic acid; survival; tumor microenvironment.