Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are a type of lymphocyte that have left the bloodstream and migrated into a tumor. These immune cells are part of the body's natural defense mechanism against cancer and play a crucial role in the immune response to tumors. TILs are primarily composed of T cells, but can also include B cells, natural killer cells, and other immune cell types.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

TILs are characterized by their ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. They are often found in the tumor microenvironment, where they can exert anti-tumor effects. The presence and activity of TILs within a tumor can be indicative of the body's immune response to the cancer and are often associated with better clinical outcomes.

Types of TILs[edit | edit source]

- CD8+ T cells: These are cytotoxic T cells that can directly kill cancer cells by recognizing antigens presented by MHC class I molecules. - CD4+ T cells: These helper T cells assist in orchestrating the immune response and can help activate CD8+ T cells and other immune cells. - Regulatory T cells (Tregs): These cells can suppress the immune response and may contribute to immune evasion by the tumor.

Role in Cancer Immunotherapy[edit | edit source]

TILs have become a focus of cancer immunotherapy research. The presence of TILs in a tumor is often associated with a better prognosis and can be used as a biomarker for predicting the response to certain immunotherapies.

Adoptive Cell Transfer (ACT)[edit | edit source]

One of the most promising approaches involving TILs is adoptive cell transfer. In this therapy, TILs are extracted from a patient's tumor, expanded in vitro, and then re-infused into the patient. This can enhance the anti-tumor immune response and has shown success in treating certain types of cancer, such as melanoma.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The density and composition of TILs within a tumor can provide valuable prognostic information. High levels of TILs are often correlated with improved survival rates in various cancers, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Research and Future Directions[edit | edit source]

Ongoing research is focused on understanding the mechanisms by which TILs recognize and kill cancer cells, as well as how tumors evade immune detection. Enhancing the efficacy of TIL-based therapies and combining them with other treatments, such as checkpoint inhibitors, are active areas of investigation.

Also see[edit | edit source]





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