Tumor-infiltrating macrophages and dendritic cells in human colorectal cancer: relation to local regulatory T cells, systemic T-cell response against tumor-associated antigens and survival

Introduction Although systemic T-cell responses against tumor antigens and tumor infiltration by T cells have been investigated in colorectal cancer (CRC), the initiation of spontaneous immune responses in situ is not well understood. Macrophages and dendritic cells (DC) play an important role as a link between innate and adaptive immune response. The aim of the present study was to analyze macrophage and DC infiltration in CRC and to investigate whether there is a correlation to systemic T-cell response, regulatory T cell (Treg) infiltration, and survival.