Abstract
Our knowledge on the physiological role of CD4 T lymphocytes has improved in the last decade: available data convincingly demonstrate that, besides the 'helper' activity, CD4 T cells may be also endowed with lytic properties. The cytotoxic function of these effector cells has a relevant role in the control of pathogenic infections and in mediating antitumor immune responses. On these bases, several immunotherapeutic approaches exploiting the cytotoxic properties of CD4 T cells are under investigation. This review summarizes available data supporting the functional and therapeutic relevance of cytotoxic CD4 T cells, with a particular focus on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related disorders. ©
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 371-402 |
Number of pages | 32 |
Journal | International Reviews of Immunology |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2010 |
Keywords
- Cancer
- CD T cells
- Cytotoxicity
- Epstein-Barr virus
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology
- Immunology and Allergy