Abstract:
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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. |