CD4+CD25+CD127low Regulatory T Cells Play Predominant Anti-Tumor Suppressive Role in Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Our results demonstrate that CD4+ CD25+(hi) Tregs from HBVHCC patients have decreased expression of PD1, resulting in higher IL-10 and TGF-β secretion. Increased suppressive ability of Tregs in HBV-related HCC confers increased anti-tumor suppressive response than in non-HBV-HCC. Modulation of Tregs and PD1 may serve as useful therapeutic targets.