From helpers to melanoma fighters

A study by the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) found that CD4⁺ T cells, traditionally called “T helper cells” because of their role in activating other immune cells, are remarkably effective in controlling melanoma.

Dr Emma Bawden of the University of Melbourne, a postdoctoral researcher at the Doherty Institute and lead author of the study, said the finding challenges the conventional understanding of the role of CD4.⁺ T cells in cancer immunity. The work is published in Scientific immunology.

“Our extensive study, using animal models, revealed the complex biology of CD4⁺ T cells in melanoma and how they control cancer,” explained Dr. Bawden.

“Using live microscopic imaging, we visualized the activities and interactions of CD4⁺ T cells with other cell types in the tumor microenvironment. Our results challenge previous hypotheses by showing that CD4⁺ T cells can fight tumors through a multitude of pathways. »

Detailed analysis revealed the genetic makeup, developmental states and functions of CD4⁺ T cells in melanoma, showing potential to harness CD4⁺ T cells for future therapies against skin cancer.

Professor Thomas Gebhardt, senior research fellow at the Doherty Institute and lead author of the study, from the University of Melbourne, said understanding CD4⁺ T cell responses could pave the way for more effective immunotherapies against melanoma.

“While CD4⁺ T cells are often considered accessory cells regulating the function of other immune cells. Our work shows that they can work effectively on their own. Therefore, exploiting their therapeutic potential holds great promise for the development and improvement of current cancer immunotherapies,” said Professor Gebhardt.

More than 15,000 Australians are diagnosed with melanoma each year, a rare but very aggressive form of skin cancer.