Low Foxp3 expression in negative sentinel lymph nodes is associated with node metastases in colorectal cancer

In a recent commentary, Sobhanu and Le Gouvello,1 take advantage of the account of Chaput et al 2 of a new population of T regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes (CD8+) to address the more general question of whether accumulation of Tregs (both CD8+ and conventional CD4+) must be considered a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer (CRC). Tregs (Foxp3+) play a pivotal role in maintaining immune system homeostasis through their ability to suppress immunological responses, including tumour immunity against tumour-associated antigens. In their interesting commentary, Sobhanu and Le Gouvello1 argue that the in vivo immunosuppressive effect of these cells in CRC still remains controversial. Actually, accordingly to the available data, we believe it reasonable to state that CD4+ Tregs do not contribute to CRC escape from host immunity. While earlier studies showed a higher density of tumour-infiltrating Tregs in advanced …