CD4+ T‐cell‐mediated anti‐tumor immunity can be uncoupled from autoimmunity via the STAT4/STAT6 signaling axis Journal Articles uri icon

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abstract

  • AbstractPrevious reports have suggested that autoimmune sequelae may be an unavoidable consequence of successful immunization against tumor‐associated antigens, which are typically non‐mutated self‐antigens. Using a melanoma model, we demonstrated that CD4+ T‐cell‐mediated anti‐tumor immunity and autoimmunity could be separated by modulating the STAT4/STAT6 signaling axis. Our results have revealed an unexpected dichotomy in the effector phase following cancer vaccination where anti‐tumor immunity is mediated via a STAT6 and IL‐4‐dependent pathway, whereas autoimmune pathology is mediated via STAT4 through a mechanism that relies partially on IFN‐γ. Our results offer a possibility to elicit specific anti‐tumor responses without triggering unwanted tissue autoimmune diseases.

publication date

  • May 2009

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