Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) refer to a specific type of immune cells that have infiltrated and accumulated in the vicinity of a tumor. Lymphocytes are a subset of white blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune response against foreign substances in the body, including cancer cells. TILs consist of various types of lymphocytes, such as T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, among others.
The accumulation of TILs in the tumor microenvironment is a complex process that involves various interactions between the immune system and cancer cells. These lymphocytes infiltrate the tumor site in an attempt to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. TILs can recognize specific antigens expressed by tumor cells and mount targeted immune responses to eradicate them.
The analysis of TILs has gained significant attention in clinical research, as their presence and composition can provide valuable insights into the immune status and potential immunogenicity of a tumor. The density and composition of TILs within a tumor have been associated with prognosis and response to therapy in various cancer types.
Furthermore, the exploitation of TILs in cancer treatment strategies has been a subject of intense investigation. Adoptive cell transfer therapies, such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy, involve the isolation and expansion of TILs from a patient's tumor, followed by their infusion back into the patient to enhance anti-tumor immune responses.
In summary, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes are immune cells that have migrated into the tumor microenvironment and play a significant role in recognizing and eliminating cancer cells. The analysis and manipulation of TILs have shown promise as novel strategies for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
