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Multiplexed Immunofluorescence Analysis and Quantification of Intratumoral PD-1+ Tim-3+ CD8+ T Cells
Published on: February 8, 2018
IFNgamma and lymphocytes prevent primary tumour development and shape tumour immunogenicity.
V Shankaran1, H Ikeda, A T Bruce
1Department of Pathology and Immunology, Center for Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
The immune system, including lymphocytes and interferon-gamma (IFNγ), acts as a tumor suppressor by preventing cancer development. However, this process also selects for cancer cells that can evade immune detection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The concept of cancer immunosurveillance, where lymphocytes prevent tumor development, was initially dismissed.
- Renewed interest emerged due to evidence of immune components like interferon-gamma (IFNγ) and perforin inhibiting tumor formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the collaborative role of lymphocytes and IFNγ in preventing cancer development.
- To determine if the immune response influences the selection of tumor cell immunogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Studied the development of carcinogen-induced sarcomas and spontaneous epithelial carcinomas in mice.
- Assessed the impact of lymphocytes and IFNγ on tumor formation and immunogenicity.
Main Results:
- Lymphocytes and IFNγ were shown to collaborate in protecting against sarcoma and carcinoma development.
- The immune response was found to select for tumor cells with reduced immunogenicity.
Conclusions:
- The immune system functions as an extrinsic tumor suppressor, inhibiting cancer initiation.
- Immune pressure leads to the selection of tumor variants that are more resistant to immune surveillance, explaining tumor formation in immunocompetent hosts.
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