Cancer Biology and Immunotherapy Overview

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Questions and Answers

What leads to the transformation of normal cells into tumor cells?

Dysregulated cell growth and proliferation lead to the transformation of normal cells into tumor cells.

How do tumor-specific transplantation antigens (TSTAs) differ from tumor-associated transplantation antigens (TATAs)?

TSTAs are expressed only on tumor cells, while TATAs are expressed on both tumor and normal cells.

What role do natural killer (NK) cells play in the immune surveillance of tumors?

NK cells kill tumor cells, especially those with reduced class I MHC expression, aiding in immune surveillance.

What intrinsic factors can cause dysregulated cell growth leading to cancer?

Genetic mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are intrinsic factors causing dysregulated cell growth. Signup and view all the answers

How do cytokines like TNF-α contribute to tumor immunity?

TNF-α stimulates necrosis of tumor cells and inhibits angiogenesis by reducing blood flow to tumors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of interferons (IFNs) on tumor cells?

Interferons increase MHC I expression on tumor cells and may inhibit their proliferation. Signup and view all the answers

What is immune evasion in the context of cancer?

Immune evasion refers to the mechanisms by which tumor cells avoid detection and destruction by the immune system. Signup and view all the answers

What external factors contribute to the development of cancer?

Environmental factors such as radiation and carcinogens contribute to the development of cancer. Signup and view all the answers

How do antibodies contribute to tumor growth in the context of immune evasion?

Antibodies can bind to tumor-specific antigens, masking them and preventing cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) from effectively targeting and killing the tumor cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of CTLs in the adaptive immune response against tumors?

CTLs are responsible for directly killing tumor cells by recognizing and binding to tumor-specific antigens presented on the cell surface. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how tumor cells can modulate MHC I expression as a mechanism of immune evasion.

Tumor cells can down-regulate class I MHC expression, which prevents CTLs from recognizing them and inhibits their ability to initiate an immune response. Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential benefits of cancer immunotherapy?

Cancer immunotherapy aims to enhance the immune response against cancer cells, potentially leading to improved recognition and destruction of tumors. Signup and view all the answers

How may antibody modulation affect tumor antigen expression?

Antibodies can cause tumor antigens to temporarily disappear, making the tumor cells less recognizable to other adaptive immune responses. Signup and view all the answers

What role do innate immune responses, such as NK cells, play in tumor suppression?

Innate immune responses involve NK cell-mediated killing of tumor cells and macrophages releasing antitumor cytokines, contributing to early defense against tumors. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways are cancer vaccines being investigated in cancer treatment?

Cancer vaccines are being explored to either prevent the onset of specific cancers or to inhibit the recurrence of tumors in patients post-treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges are associated with the use of monoclonal antibodies in cancer therapy?

Monoclonal antibodies have shown limited effects in treating certain cancers, highlighting challenges in effectively targeting tumor cells. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cancer

A disease caused by uncontrolled cell growth and division

Immune Surveillance

The immune system's role in detecting and destroying abnormal cells, including cancerous cells.