Fig. 1

Schematic presentation of the immunological effects of asbestos exposure on various lymphocytes such as regulatory T cells (Treg), responder CD4+ T helper cells (Tresp), CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), and natural killer (NK) cells. All of the findings described in this review indicate that asbestos exposure impairs antitumor immunity, as shown in the left panel of the figure. These findings can be used to explore biological marker candidates, as shown in the right panel of the figure, and suggest the usefulness of serum/plasma IL-10 and TGF-β, surface CXCR3 expression in Tresp, secreting potential of IFN-γ in Tresp, intracellular perforin level in CTL, and surface expression of NKp46 in NK cells. Although other unexplored cytokines in serum/plasma and molecules in these immunological cells and Th17 should be investigated, including a comprehensive analysis of screening methods, biomarkers based on immunological alterations may helpful in the clinical situation to screen the high-risk population exposed to asbestos and to detect and treat asbestos-related cancers such as mesothelioma