Understanding T lymphocytes inner workings to harness therapeutic potential

Abstract

Understanding T lymphocytes inner workings to harness therapeutic potential Leslie J. Berg, PhD from the University of Colorado, Anschutz School of Medicine, sheds light on understanding the inner workings of T lymphocytes to harness their therapeutic potential. In the past two decades, we have witnessed the powerful impact of years of research to uncover the mechanisms regulating our immune responses to infections. This research has revealed opportunities to harness our immune systems to fight cancers, leading to many therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The prevalence and impact of these treatments are highlighted by their descriptor, ‘immunotherapies’, now a common word familiar to the broader public. At the heart of this research is studying immune cells, including lymphocytes and myeloid cells, that implement our immune responses to pathogens, cancers, and self-tissues.