Immunotherapeutic Response in Tumors Is Affected by Microenvironmental ROS.

Hayward, Simon W · Cancer Res · 2020

editorial · Level V

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Abstract

Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are a potential therapeutic target for both direct and indirect regulation of cancer progression and therapy response. In this issue of <i>Cancer Research</i>, Ford and colleagues investigate the influence of CAF on the immune environment of tumors, specifically focusing on the regulation of CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells, required for immune therapy response. Their work suggests a role for stromally expressed NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) as a modulator of reactive oxygen species that in turn can reduce the number of CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells locally. Inhibition of NOX4 increased CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells and restored responsiveness to immune therapy, suggesting an indirect stromally targeted avenue for therapy resensitization.<i>See related article by Ford et al., p. 1846</i>.

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