Tumor infiltrating lymphocyte

Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) are a type of white blood cell that have migrated into a tumor. They play a crucial role in the immune response to cancer, and their presence is often associated with better prognosis in various types of cancer.

Overview

TILs are a heterogeneous group of lymphocytes, including T cells, B cells, and Natural Killer cells, that have infiltrated a tumor. They are attracted to the tumor by chemokines released by the tumor cells and the surrounding stroma. Once inside the tumor, they can recognize and attack the tumor cells, contributing to the body's immune response against the cancer.

Role in Immune Response

TILs play a key role in the immune response to cancer. They can recognize and attack tumor cells, contributing to the body's defense against the cancer. The presence of TILs in a tumor is often associated with a better prognosis, as it suggests that the immune system is actively fighting the cancer.

Clinical Significance

The presence of TILs in a tumor can have significant clinical implications. High levels of TILs are often associated with a better prognosis in various types of cancer, including melanoma, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. In addition, TILs are being explored as a potential therapeutic target in cancer treatment. For example, therapies that aim to boost the activity of TILs, such as immunotherapy, are currently being investigated in clinical trials.

Research and Future Directions

Research into TILs is a rapidly evolving field. Scientists are working to better understand the role of TILs in the immune response to cancer, and to develop new therapies that can boost the activity of TILs. In addition, researchers are exploring ways to use TILs as a biomarker to predict prognosis or response to treatment in cancer patients.

See Also

• Cancer immunotherapy
• Immune response
• Lymphocyte
• Tumor microenvironment