Regulatory T cells shape the differential impact of radiation dose-fractionation schedules on host innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune defenses

We examined how radiation dose per fraction (DPF) and total dose, as represented by biological effective dose (BED), can independently and differentially affect the immunomodulatory capacity of radiation therapy (RT).Materials and Methods: AT3-OVA mammary and MC38 colorectal tumors in C57BL/6 mice were irradiated with rationally selected dose-fractionation schedules, alone or with immune-modulating or depleting agents. Tumor growth was monitored as a readout of therapeutic response. Flow cytometry and RNA sequencing of mouse tumors and analysis of transcriptomic datasets from irradiated human cancers were used to dissect the immunomodulatory effects of the different radiation schedules.
Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics - Category: Radiology Authors: Source Type: research