T-lymphocyte infiltration

T-lymphocyte infiltration refers to the process by which T cells (a subset of lymphocytes) migrate from the bloodstream into tissues, particularly tumors. Within tumors, these infiltrating T cells are known as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). TILs are central to anti-tumor immunity and influence cancer progression as well as response to immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies. The abundance, localization, activation state, and functional polarization of TILs are correlated with patient prognosis and therapeutic efficacy. However, TILs may become dysfunctional or exhausted in the tumor microenvironment, limiting their effectiveness. The analysis and functional manipulation of TILs, as well as strategies to enhance their infiltration or restore their function, are major areas of research and therapeutic development in oncology. In summary, "T-lymphocyte infiltration" does not correspond to a single molecular drug target but rather describes an important immunological phenomenon and clinical biomarker in cancer and immunotherapy.

Other names

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytesTILsLymphocyte infiltrationTumor immune infiltration

Immune checkpoint blockade: drugs target inhibitory receptors (e.g., PD-1, CTLA-4) on TILs to reverse exhaustion and reinvigorate anti-tumor activity. Adoptive cell transfer: ex vivo expansion and reinfusion of functional TILs into patients to boost tumor-specific immunity.