Low-dose curcumin leads to the inhibition of tumor growth via enhancing CTL-mediated antitumor immunity

► We study the effect of curcumin on the immune system in tumor-bearing bodies. ► Only low-dose curcumin can inhibit the lung tumor growth in vivo. ► The antitumor effect of low-dose curcumin depends on T cell-mediated immune response. ► Low-dose curcumin enhances the cell number and function of CD8+ T cells.