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Published on: November 26, 2010
Cellular and molecular mechanisms in cancer immune escape: a comprehensive review
1Department of Experimental Medicine & Biotechnology, PGIMER, Chandigarh-160012, India.
Abstract:
Immune escape is the final phase of cancer immunoediting process wherein cancer modulates our immune system to escape from being destroyed by it. Many cellular and molecular events govern the cancer's evasion of host immune response. The tumor undergoes continuous remodeling at the genetic, epigenetic and metabolic level to acquire resistance to apoptosis. At the same time, it effectively modifies all the components of the host's immunome so as to escape from its antitumor effects. Moreover, it induces accumulation of suppressive cells like Treg and myeloid derived suppressor cells and factors which also enable it to elude the immune system. Recent research in this area helps in defining the role of newer players like miRNAs and exosomes in immune escape. The immunotherapeutic approaches developed to target the escape phase appear quite promising; however, the quest for a perfect therapeutic agent that can achieve maximum cure with minimal toxicity continues.
Insights
Cancer cells evade immune destruction through immune escape, a critical phase in cancer immunoediting. Understanding these mechanisms, including genetic and metabolic remodeling, is key to developing effective cancer immunotherapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Immune escape is the final stage of cancer immunoediting, where tumors evade immune system destruction.
- Tumors undergo genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic remodeling to resist apoptosis and modify the host immunome.
- Tumors induce suppressive cells like regulatory T cells (Treg) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to evade immune surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the multifaceted cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cancer immune escape.
- To highlight the role of emerging factors such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and exosomes in immune evasion.
- To review the potential of immunotherapeutic strategies targeting the cancer immune escape phase.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cancer immunoediting and immune escape.
- Analysis of genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic alterations in tumor cells.
- Investigation of the role of suppressive immune cells and novel factors like miRNAs and exosomes.
Main Results:
- Cancer cells employ diverse strategies to resist immune detection and destruction.
- Tumor remodeling involves genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic adaptations.
- New players like miRNAs and exosomes are identified as crucial in facilitating immune escape.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the immune escape phase of cancer immunoediting offers promising therapeutic avenues.
- Further research is needed to develop ideal immunotherapies with high efficacy and low toxicity.
- Understanding the complex interplay of factors in immune escape is crucial for advancing cancer treatment.
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