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Avoidance of immune mediated tumor rejection by cancer cells

Yuri Pekarsky1, Carlo M Croce1

  • 1Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.

Advances in Biological Regulation
|June 7, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Cancer cells use microRNAs like miR-155 to evade immune detection. Blocking immune checkpoints, such as PD-1/PD-L1, can help cytotoxic T cells fight tumors more effectively.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes, potentially triggering immune responses via antigenic peptides.
  • Tumor immune evasion is common, often involving mechanisms that mute the immune system's ability to fight cancer.
  • Immune responses, particularly T-cell mediated ones, can be inhibited by interactions like PD-1 on immune cells with PD-L1 on tumor cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the role of microRNAs in immune-mediated tumor rejection.
  • To highlight the specific function of miR-155 in helping malignant cells avoid immune surveillance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies on cancer immune evasion.
  • Analysis of the role of microRNAs, specifically miR-155, in tumor immune escape mechanisms.
  • Examination of immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., PD-1/PD-L1 blockade) as therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Genetic alterations in cancer can lead to immune presentation but are often overcome by tumor evasion strategies.
  • MicroRNAs, such as miR-155, play a significant role in enabling cancer cells to avoid immune-mediated rejection.
  • Immune checkpoint blockade therapies aim to restore anti-tumor T-cell activity.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNA-mediated immune evasion is a critical mechanism for tumor survival.
  • Targeting miR-155 and immune checkpoints presents potential therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment.

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