Resistance of naturally occurring regulatory T cells toward oxidative stress: possible link with intracellular catecholamine content and implications for cancer therapy

摘要

Dr Cosentino et al in their letter to the editor discuss our previous report demonstrating increased resistance of regulatory T cells (Tregs) toward oxidative stress1 in the context of their findings on a catecholamine (CA) dependent inhibitory functional loop in Tregs.2 Their results demonstrate that Tregs contain higher amounts of CA compared with conventional T cells. As CA is a potential source of endogenous oxidative stress, Tregs would require a greater antioxidative capacity, previously demonstrated by us. We appreciate the insightful comments and wish to highlight 2 important associations: first, the emerging role of the neuroimmunologic axis in cancer; and second, the effects of oxidative stress on CA signaling and vice versa.