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Attacking malignant cells that survive therapy: Exploiting immunogenic modulation
James W Hodge1, Anna Kwilas1, Andressa Ardiani1
1Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology; Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute; National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD USA.
Oncoimmunology
|February 6, 2014
Summary
Malignant cells surviving cancer therapy can become more sensitive to cytotoxic T lymphocytes through "immunogenic modulation." This mechanism helps identify therapies that synergize with immunotherapy for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Anticancer therapies can lead to treatment resistance or sublethal drug delivery.
- Malignant cells surviving therapy may exhibit altered characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and explore the mechanism of "immunogenic modulation."
- To identify therapeutic strategies that synergize with immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of malignant cell responses to sublethal anticancer therapy.
- Assessment of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-mediated killing of treated malignant cells.
Main Results:
- Malignant cells surviving therapy demonstrate increased sensitivity to cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
- This enhanced sensitivity is termed "immunogenic modulation."
Conclusions:
- Immunogenic modulation is a key mechanism linking cancer therapy and immune response.
- Exploiting this mechanism can optimize combination therapies involving immunotherapy to improve clinical benefit.
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