Regulatory T Cell Interventions to Boost Anti-tumor Immune Responses

FOXP3-expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subset of T lymphocytes that are crucial for maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing autoimmunity. However, their pervasive presence and potent immunosuppressive functions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) are a barrier to anti-tumor immunity, presenting a major challenge for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss strategies for the therapeutic modulation of Tregs. Current and emerging promising technological approaches include antibody-based approaches, small molecule inhibitors, engineered Tregs, microbiome modulation, and Treg survival manipulations. Additionally, existing and promising combinatorial therapies integrate Treg cell targeting with complementary treatment strategies. The goal of this review is to spotlight how Treg-targeted interventions can overcome immune escape and ultimately enhance immunotherapy efficacy to improve clinical outcomes in cancer patients.