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The immune system: endogenous anticancer mechanism

Ana Paula Duarte de Souza1, Cristina Bonorino

  • 1Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, FABIO, Instituto de Pesquisas Biomedicas, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6690 2o andar, 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition)
|June 2, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The immune system, through adaptive immune responses, can control cancer development and recurrence. Harnessing immune system properties like specificity and memory offers promising cancer therapy strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Genetic alterations in cancer cells are recognized by immune mechanisms, influencing tumor growth.
  • Immune system defects are linked to cancer development, while host anti-tumor responses show protective value.
  • Recent discoveries in T cell subsets and dendritic cells reveal complex immune-tumor cell interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the critical role of the immune system in controlling cancer.
  • To emphasize the unique properties of the immune system (specificity, memory) for therapeutic potential.
  • To underscore the importance of preserving and recruiting immune responses in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific evidence on immune system interactions with cancer.
  • Analysis of adaptive immune responses, including T helper, T cytotoxic, and dendritic cells.
  • Exploration of existing and experimental immunotherapies, such as monoclonal antibodies and dendritic cell therapies.

Main Results:

  • The immune system possesses inherent mechanisms to identify and combat cancer cells.
  • Adaptive immune responses, both local and systemic, demonstrate significant anti-tumor effects.
  • New immune cell subsets offer novel insights into immune-mediated cancer control.

Conclusions:

  • The immune system is a potent ally against cancer development, metastasis, and recurrence.
  • Immune system properties like specificity and long-lasting memory are valuable therapeutic assets.
  • Preserving and recruiting host immune responses are crucial strategies in modern cancer therapy.

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