Regulatory T Cell Depletion

Regulatory T cell (Treg) depletion refers to the targeted removal or reduction of regulatory T cells, a specialized subset of CD4+ T cells characterized by the expression of CD25 and the transcription factor Foxp3. These cells are central to maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmunity by suppressing excessive or misdirected immune responses. Depleting these cells is a strategy explored in cancer immunotherapy and other contexts where enhanced immune activation is desired. The aim is to enhance anti-tumor immunity by removing the suppressive effects of Tregs on cytotoxic lymphocytes. Potential risks include breaking self-tolerance and inducing autoimmunity. Strategies focus on selective intratumoral depletion to minimize systemic effects.

Depletion of regulatory T cells to remove suppression on effector lymphocytes, thereby enhancing anti-tumor or cytotoxic immunity.