Molecular, metabolic, and functional CD4 T cell paralysis in the lymph node impedes tumor control

Regulation and impact of tumor-specific CD4+ T cells in cancer and immunotherapy

CD4+ T cells are crucial in generating and sustaining immune responses. They orchestrate and fine-tune mammalian innate and adaptive immunity through cell-based interactions and the release of cytokines. The role of these cells in contributing to the efficacy of antitumor immunity and immunotherapy has just started to be uncovered. Yet, many aspects of the CD4+ T cell response are still unclear, including the differentiation pathways controlling such cells during cancer progression, the external signals that program them, and how the combination of these factors direct ensuing immune responses or immune-restorative therapies. In this review, we focus on recent advances in understanding CD4+ T cell regulation during cancer progression and the importance of CD4+ T cells in immunotherapies.

Therapeutic Targeting of Glioblastoma and the Interactions with Its Microenvironment

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumour, and it confers a dismal prognosis despite intensive multimodal treatments. Whilst historically, research has focussed on the evolution of GBM tumour cells themselves, there is growing recognition of the importance of studying the tumour microenvironment (TME). Improved characterisation of the interaction between GBM cells and the TME has led to a better understanding of therapeutic resistance and the identification of potential targets to block these escape mechanisms. This review describes the network of cells within the TME and proposes treatment strategies for simultaneously targeting GBM cells, the surrounding immune cells, and the crosstalk between them.