RORgamma agonists enhance survival and memory of type 17 T cells and improve anti-tumor activity

Background Enhancing tumor-directed immune responses has emerged as an important therapeutic approach to many cancers. Th17/Tc17 cells can mediate robust anti-tumor responses in rodent models and are associated with improved prognosis in some human cancers. RORgt is the key transcription factor controlling the development and function of these cells by supporting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and survival genes while reducing expression of co-inhibitory receptors such as PD-1.