Research advances in the effect of regulatory T cells on tumor radiotherapy and its mechanism

Abstract

Radiotherapy can not only kill tumor cells directly, but also accelerate tumor regression by mediating systemic and local anti-tumor immune response. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are known as a subset of T cells which suppress the immune system. Therefore, Tregs become one of the therapeutic targets for cancer. Recently, much attention has been paid to combination therapy with radiotherapy and anti-Tregs therapy. This article reviews the biological characteristics of Tregs and the interaction between Tregs and radiotherapy. Key words: Neoplasms/radiotherapy; T-lymphocytes, regulatory; Neoplasms/immunotherapy