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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Real Time Detection of In Vitro Tumor Cell Apoptosis Induced by CD8+ T Cells to Study Immune Suppressive Functions of Tumor-infiltrating Myeloid Cells
09:57

Real Time Detection of In Vitro Tumor Cell Apoptosis Induced by CD8+ T Cells to Study Immune Suppressive Functions of Tumor-infiltrating Myeloid Cells

Published on: January 29, 2019

Regulators of apoptosis: suitable targets for immune therapy of cancer

Mads Hald Andersen1, Jürgen C Becker, Per thor Straten

  • 1Tumor Immunology Group, Institute of Cancer Biology, Danish Cancer Society, Strandboulevarden 49, Dk-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. mha@cancer.dk

Nature Reviews. Drug Discovery
|May 3, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This study explores using anti-apoptotic proteins, such as Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAP) and BCL2 family proteins, as antigens in therapeutic cancer vaccines. Early trials show promise for harnessing the immune system against cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Cancer research increasingly focuses on leveraging the immune system for treatment.
  • Anti-apoptotic molecules promote cancer cell survival and immune evasion.
  • Spontaneous immune responses against these molecules are observed in cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAP) and BCL2 family proteins as T-cell antigens.
  • To present findings from the first exploratory therapeutic vaccination trial using these antigens.
  • To discuss future directions in cancer immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current knowledge on IAP and BCL2 family proteins as T-cell antigens.
  • Conducting an exploratory clinical trial for therapeutic vaccination against cancer.
  • Analysis of immune responses to vaccination.

Main Results:

  • IAP and BCL2 family proteins are identified as viable T-cell antigens for cancer vaccines.
  • The exploratory trial demonstrated the feasibility of therapeutic vaccination using these antigens.
  • Spontaneous immune responses in patients suggest potential for immune system activation.

Conclusions:

  • Therapeutic vaccination using IAP and BCL2 family proteins represents a novel approach in cancer immunotherapy.
  • Further research and clinical trials are warranted to optimize this strategy.
  • Harnessing anti-apoptotic proteins could enhance cancer treatment efficacy.

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