Suppressor cells - the basis of the immunopathogenesis of cancer

There are numerous data in experimental and clinical medicine that convincing evidence on the leading role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of tumor diseases. Exactly immune cells such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes, NK cells, macrophages and dendritic cells have the ability to kill tumor cells. Under normal conditions the activity of these cells is a factor of inhibition proliferation and differentiation of tumor cells. An appearance of tumor itself, as uncontrolled cell growth and clinical manifestation, says that it was changed the cytotoxic activity of the cells causing tumor immunity. The main factor, if not the only reason for the decline of anti-tumor activity of the cells, is the formation of powerful extra- and inside-tumor suppressor mechanisms suppressing cytotoxic activity of anti-tumor immune-competent cells and allowing tumor cells to avoid surveillance by the immune system. It is showed that T and B cells, macrophages, and cells of myeloid origin suppressors possess these immunosuppressive properties. Therefore, in the future, methods to suppress functional activity of cells suppressors of various geneses can be the basis for immunotherapy of tumor growth.