Epigenetic Reprogramming of CD4+ Helper T Cells as a Strategy to Improve Anticancer Immunotherapy

Front Immunol. 2021 Jun 28:12:669992. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.669992. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Evidences highlight the role of various CD4+ helper T cells (CD4+ Th) subpopulations in orchestrating the immune responses against cancers. Epigenetics takes an important part in the regulation of CD4+ Th polarization and plasticity. In this review, we described the epigenetic factors that govern CD4+ T cells differentiation and recruitment in the tumor microenvironment and their subsequent involvement in the antitumor immunity. Finally, we discussed how to manipulate tumor reactive CD4+ Th responses by epigenetic drugs to improve anticancer immunotherapy.

Keywords: CD4+ helper T cells; epigenetics; immunotherapy; plasticity; tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cellular Reprogramming / drug effects*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive* / adverse effects
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / drug effects*
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / immunology
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / drug effects*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / transplantation*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents