Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

Monitoring the Cancer-Immunity Cycle and Exploring Tumor Microenvironment Dynamics
Published on: June 7, 2024
Host immune response to infection and cancer: unexpected commonalities
Romina S Goldszmid1, Amiran Dzutsev2, Giorgio Trinchieri1
1Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
Abstract:
Both microbes and tumors activate innate resistance, tissue repair, and adaptive immunity. Unlike acute infection, tumor growth is initially unapparent; however, inflammation and immunity affect all phases of tumor growth from initiation to progression and dissemination. Here, we discuss the shared features involved in the immune response to infection and cancer including modulation by commensal microbiota, reactive hematopoiesis, chronic immune responses and regulatory mechanisms to prevent collateral tissue damage. This comparative analysis of immunity to infection and cancer furthers our understanding of the basic mechanisms underlying innate resistance and adaptive immunity and their translational application to the design of new therapeutic approaches.
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