The two faces of regulatory T cells in cancer

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) that expand in human colon cancer express retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t (ROR gamma t) and exert potent T-cell suppressive functions while mediating pro-inflammatory effects. similar Tregs expand and drive a vicious cycle of inflammation in murine polyposis. Targeting ROR gamma t in Tregs interrupts such a cycle and protects mice against polyposis, suggesting that a similar intervention may provide therapeutic benefits to colon cancer patients.