Immune Escape of Cancer Cells

Abstract

Effective antitumor immune response depends on the interaction between several components of the immune system, including antigen-presenting cells, antibodies, complement and different T cell subsets. Cancer cells have developed multiple strategies to modulate our immune system for evasion. Recent advances in cancer immunology allow for a better understanding of the mechanisms tumors use to execute immune escape and of the relationship the tumor establishes with immune cells. Many cellular and molecular events reflect that the tumor undergoes a continuous remodeling at the genetic, epigenetic and metabolic level to acquire resistance to cell killing mechanisms by complement and apoptosis. Malignant cells effectively employ literally all the components of the host's immune system to escape from their antitumor effects.This includes the accumulation of suppressive cells like Treg and myeloid derived suppressor cells as well as the release of inhibitory factors into the microenvironment. Furthermore, tumor-propagating cells must also escape from immune-mediated destruction. The ability to persist and to initiate neoplastic growth in the presence of immunosurveillance is decisive for the survival of cancer stem cells. After a general overview this presentation will exemplarily provide a deeper insight into strategies how cancer cells escape immune recognition and how these mechanisms can be neutralized with potential impact on tumor immunotherapy.