The anticancer effects of HDAC inhibitors require the immune system

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are known to exert immunomodulatory effects. We have recently demonstrated that the therapeutic efficacy of HDACis against aggressive B-cell lymphoma and colon carcinoma relies on a functional immune system, in particular on the production of interferon gamma (IFN gamma). Our findings provide a rationale for the combination of HDACis with immunotherapeutic agents in the clinic.