Differentiation and Regulation of TH Cells: A Balancing Act for Cancer Immunotherapy

Current success of immunotherapy in cancer has drawn attention to the subsets of T-H cells in the tumor which are critical for activation of anti-tumor response either directly by themselves or by stimulating cytotoxic T cell activity. However, presence of immunosuppressive pro-tumorigenic T-H subsets in the tumor milieu further contributes to the complexity of regulation of T-H cell-mediated immune response. In this review, we present an overview of the multifaceted positive and negative effects of T-H cells, with an emphasis on regulation of different T-H cell subtypes by various immune cells, and how a delicate balance of contradictory signals can influence overall success of cancer immunotherapy. We focus on the regulatory network that encompasses dendritic cell-induced activation of CD4(+) T(H)1 cells and subsequent priming of CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells, along with intersecting anti-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic T(H)2 cell activity. We further discuss how other tumor infiltrating immune cells such as immunostimulatory T(H)9 and T-fh cells, immunosuppressive T-reg cells, and the duality of T(H)17 function contribute to tip the balance of anti- vs pro-tumorigenic T-H responses in the tumor. We highlight the developing knowledge of CD4(+) T(H)1 immune response against neoantigens/oncodrivers, impact of current immunotherapy strategies on CD4(+) T(H)1 immunity, and how opposing action of T-H cell subtypes can be explored further to amplify immunotherapy success in patients. Understanding the nuances of CD4(+) T-H cells regulation and the molecular framework undergirding the balancing act between anti- vs pro-tumorigenic T-H subtypes is critical for rational designing of immunotherapies that can bypass therapeutic escape to maximize the potential of immunotherapy.

Automated summary

This review highlights the importance of T-H cells in cancer immunotherapy, discussing the regulation of different subtypes by various immune cells and the impact of contradictory signals on treatment outcomes. Understanding the complexities of CD4(+) T-H cells and balancing anti- vs pro-tumorigenic subtypes is crucial for designing effective immunotherapies.