What Types of Helper T Cells Are Involved in Cancer?
There are several subtypes of helper T cells, each with distinct roles:
- Th1 cells: These cells are generally involved in anti-tumor immunity. They produce cytokines like IFN-γ that activate macrophages and cytotoxic T cells to attack cancer cells. - Th2 cells: These cells are typically associated with humoral immunity and can sometimes contribute to a pro-tumor environment by promoting tissue repair mechanisms that some cancers exploit. - Th17 cells: Their role in cancer is complex and context-dependent. They can either promote or inhibit tumor growth depending on the microenvironment and the types of cytokines they produce. - Regulatory T cells (Tregs): These cells suppress other immune cells and can be co-opted by tumors to create an environment that inhibits anti-tumor immunity.
