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Treg cell subset-specific gene expression patterns in human head and neck cancer

Backgrand: The occurrence of head and neck cancer has been increased all over the world. Although the prognosis has been improved by using several treatment modalities including immunotherapy, it is still unsatisfying. It is still unclear why the immunotherapy is effective only for partial amount of patients. To resolve this problem and to make a new treatment strategy based on human immune system, further investigation of antitumor immunity is required. Regulatory T (Treg) cells play critical roles in human immune responses including antitumor immunity. Therefore, the research to elucidate Treg function is strongly urged to clarify the mechanisms of antitumor immunity.Methods: We performed RNA-seuencing analysis of regulatory T cells infiltrating head and neck cancer. We devided into four populations, DP, CD25+, CTLA4+, DN and analyzed gene expressions.Results: The gene expression patterns of Treg-related genes were different between CD25+ cells and CD25- cells. Furthermore, DP cells had unique gene expression pattern compared to other populations.Conclusions: We found Treg cells infiltrating head and neck cancer had high expression levels of Treg-related genes and DP cells had unique gene expression pattern that may become a target of new treatment strategy.Regulatory T (Treg) cells play critical roles in human immune responses including antitumor immunity. Therefore, the research to elucidate Treg function is strongly urged to clarify the mechanisms of antitumor immunity.