The tumor-draining lymph node as a reservoir for systemic immune surveillance

Early in solid tumor development, antigens are presented in tumor-draining lymph nodes (tdLNs), a process that is necessary to set up immune surveillance. Recent evidence indicates that tdLNs fuel systemic tumor-specific T cell responses which may halt cancer progression and facilitate future responses to immunotherapy. These protective responses, however, are subject to progressive dysfunction exacerbated by lymph node (LN) metastasis. We discuss emerging preclinical and clinical literature indicating that the tdLN is a crucial reservoir for systemic immunity that can potentiate immune surveillance. We also discuss the impact of LN metastasis and argue that a better understanding of the relationship between LN metastasis and systemic immunity will be necessary to direct regional disease management in the era of immunotherapy.