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Related Concept Videos

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes01:25

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes

Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Cells of the Innate Immune Response01:28

Cells of the Innate Immune Response

The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

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...

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Experimental Melanoma Immunotherapy Model Using Tumor Vaccination with a Hematopoietic Cytokine
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Published on: February 24, 2023

Melanoma immunoediting by NK cells.

Mirna Balsamo1, Gabriella Pietra, William Vermi

  • 1Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale; Università di Genova; Genova, Italy.

Oncoimmunology
|December 25, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Natural killer (NK) cells can help tumors evade immune detection. This study shows how NK cells make melanoma cells resistant to their own killing activity, aiding tumor progression.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • The immune system plays a dual role in cancer, initially controlling tumor growth but potentially promoting malignancy and immune evasion during progression.
  • Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial immune components that can eliminate cancer cells, but their role in tumor progression is complex.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of natural killer (NK) cells in the immunoediting process of melanoma.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which NK cells may contribute to melanoma cell resistance against NK-mediated killing.

Main Methods:

  • Co-culture of melanoma cells with activated NK cells.
  • Assessment of melanoma cell susceptibility to NK-mediated cytotoxicity.
  • Analysis of phenotypic and functional changes in melanoma cells post-NK cell interaction.

Main Results:

  • Melanoma cells exposed to NK cells acquired resistance to subsequent NK-mediated killing.
  • NK cell interaction induced specific phenotypic and functional alterations in melanoma cells, contributing to immunoescape.
  • This NK-induced resistance suggests a role for NK cells in promoting tumor progression through immunoediting.

Conclusions:

  • Natural killer (NK) cells can paradoxically contribute to melanoma progression by inducing resistance in tumor cells.
  • The findings highlight the complex interplay between NK cells and melanoma, where immunoediting mechanisms can favor tumor survival and immunoescape.