The process by which the immune system recognizes and eliminates cancer cells, leading to the selection of tumor variants with reduced immunogenicity.
The initial stage of immunoediting where the immune system actively identifies and destroys cancerous cells through mechanisms such as cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells.
In this phase, the immune system and cancer cells reach a balance where cancer growth is temporarily halted. Some cancer cells may remain dormant, while others undergo genetic changes to evade immune recognition.
The final phase of immunoediting where cancer cells develop mechanisms to evade immune detection and elimination. This can involve alterations in antigen presentation, upregulation of immune checkpoint proteins, or induction of immunosuppressive factors.
The cellular environment surrounding a tumor, consisting of immune cells, stromal cells, and extracellular matrix components. The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses and influencing cancer progression.
Regulatory proteins expressed on immune cells and cancer cells that modulate immune responses. Examples include programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4). Checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that block these proteins, enhancing the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells.
Molecules expressed on the surface of cancer cells that can be recognized by the immune system. Tumor antigens can be specific proteins or mutations unique to cancer cells, and they serve as targets for immune surveillance and therapy.
Treatment approaches that harness the power of the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. This includes checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapies (e.g., CAR-T cells), and therapeutic vaccines.
Mutated proteins generated by cancer-specific mutations that are recognized as foreign by the immune system. Neoantigens are potential targets for personalized cancer immunotherapy and vaccines.
The inhibition or suppression of immune responses, which can occur in the tumor microenvironment through various mechanisms, including the release of immunosuppressive cytokines, recruitment of regulatory T cells, and expression of inhibitory checkpoint proteins.