Recruitment and functional activity of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD4+ regulatory T cells

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Immune escape is a common feature of tumor cells, but most mechanisms of escape are unknown. To analyze such mechanisms we will use a mouse model in which the transformation of erythroblasts by a murine retrovirus results in a lethal leukemia. Transformed cells express viral antigens and are recognized by T cells. Tumor-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) that kill transformed target cells are induced during tumor development. However, the cytotoxic function of CTLs is suppressed by regulatory T cells (Tregs), and this suppression results in uncontrolled tumor growth. We will investigate the molecular interplay between tumor cells, CTLs, and Tregs.