Interplay between Gut Microbiota and T Lymphocytes in Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the third leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. There is increasing evidences about the involvement of gut microbiota in colorectal carcinogenesis. Several recent studies have shed light on the cross talk between gut microbiota and mucosal T cell subsets, specifically intraepithelial lymphocytes and lamina propria CD4 + T cells including T-helper cells and Tregulatory (Treg) cells which may be responsible for development of colorectal cancer through creating imbalance between proinflammatory and antiinflammatory immune cells and their cytokines. In this review, we will focus on the influence gut microbiota on the development of mucosal T cells and their role in promoting colorectal cancer.

Effects of pericytes and colon cancer stem cells in the tumor microenvironment

“…The main mechanisms that eliminate tumor cells in CRC are gamma IFN and TNF (α and β) producing CD4 + TH1 cells and IL10 secreted by FoxP3 + regulatory T cells by NK or γδ T cells that suppress or downregulate induction and proliferation of effector T cells at the tumor site [5, 6]. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the dominant cell type within the reactive stroma of many tumor types like CRC.…”