Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026
08:41
Author Spotlight: Deciphering the Role of ATM in Ataxia-Telangiectasia and the Associated Cerebellar Degeneration
Published on: December 27, 2024
2.0K
The DNA damage response arouses the immune system.
Stephan Gasser1, David H Raulet
1Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-3200, USA.
Cancer Research
|April 19, 2006
Summary
DNA damage response activates immune cells to target cancer cells. However, this can lead to tumor immune escape and progression, impacting cancer therapy effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The DNA damage response (DDR) is well-understood in terms of cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and apoptosis.
- Its role in modulating immune responses remained largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between DNA damage and immune system activation.
- To explore the implications of this connection for cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- The study focused on genotoxic stress and stalled DNA replication forks.
- Expression levels of ligands for the NKG2D receptor were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Genotoxic stress and stalled replication forks were found to induce NKG2D receptor ligands.
- These ligands are expressed on natural killer cells and T cells, which attack tumor cells.
Conclusions:
- The DNA damage response can trigger anti-tumor immune responses via NKG2D ligands.
- Chronic activation may promote tumor immune escape and malignant progression.
- Understanding this pathway is crucial for improving cancer therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
02:36DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
10.1K
In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
10.1K
02:36DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
3.2K
In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
3.2K
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
84.2K
Overview
84.2K
01:36Humoral Immune Responses
84.1K
Overview
84.1K
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
9.0K
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
9.0K
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
2.1K
The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
2.1K