What's Happening?
Researchers at the Sloan Kettering Institute have discovered that regulatory T (Treg) cells in colorectal cancer have dual roles, with one subtype restraining tumor growth and another promoting it. The study, published in Immunity, explains why colorectal cancer patients
with more Treg cells often have better outcomes. The findings suggest that targeting specific Treg subtypes could improve immunotherapy for colorectal cancer and other cancers with similar immune patterns.
Why It's Important?
This study challenges the conventional understanding of Treg cells in cancer, highlighting the complexity of the immune response in colorectal cancer. By identifying the distinct roles of Treg subtypes, researchers can develop more targeted immunotherapies that selectively eliminate harmful Treg cells while preserving beneficial ones. This approach could enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments and improve survival rates for patients with colorectal cancer and potentially other cancers.
