Effector memory regulatory T-cell expansion marks a pivotal point of immune escape in myelodysplastic syndromes

Oncoimmunology. 2013 Feb 1;2(2):e22654. doi: 10.4161/onci.22654.

Abstract

Myleodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are pre-malignant hematopoietic diseases that can progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression in conjunction with changes in immune function. In this model of leukemia evolution, the expansion of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) contributes to immune escape. Here, we discuss the importance of Treg-memory phenotype switching as a poor prognostic indicator in MDS.

Keywords: immune escape; immunoediting; leukemia; myelodysplastic syndrome; regulatory T cells.