Cancer Immunology Quiz
44 Questions
3 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which factor is NOT associated with promoting tumor growth in cancer?

  • Short-term inflammation (correct)
  • Activation of oncogenes
  • Escape from immune destruction
  • Chronic inflammation

    • Chronic inflammation is characterized by a short duration and usually resolves within a few months.

    False

    What important discovery did Rudolf Virchow make in 1863 regarding cancer?

    He discovered leucocytes in neoplastic tissues and connected inflammation to cancer.

    The inflammatory response is part of the ______ immune system.

    <p>innate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Acute Inflammation = Short-term, resolves within six months Chronic Inflammation = Long-term, persists for years without resolution Cytokines = Molecules that initiate immune response ROS Kinase = Linked to tumorigenesis and produced by macrophages</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the effects of cancer on the immune system?

    <p>Cancer cells avoid immune detection and destruction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    LOF mutations of the inflammatory response can be inherited through germline mutations.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do macrophages play in cancer tissue?

    <p>They are involved in the inflammatory response and can produce TNF cytokines which activate ROS.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of injecting BCG into tumor sites?

    <p>To stimulate an immune response against both the bacteria and the tumor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The PD-1/PDL-1 system is involved in promoting an immune response against tumors.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What survival rate was achieved when combining surgery with BCG injections for bladder cancer treatment?

    <p>50%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In 1909, Paul Ehrlich proposed the idea of __________, suggesting that the immune system monitors tissues for cancer cells.

    <p>immune surveillance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do tumor cells primarily evade immune detection?

    <p>By losing their immunogenic features</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their functions:

    <p>PD-1 = Dampens T cell activity PDL-1 = Prevents immune overreaction CAR-T Cells = Engineered to recognize tumor antigens Immune Surveillance = Monitors tissues for cancer cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Monoclonal antibodies that target PD-1 or PDL-1 __________ the interaction between these proteins.

    <p>block</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of PD-L1 in immune evasion by tumors?

    <p>It helps tumors evade immune detection by interacting with PD-1 on T cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of phosphorylated IkB in the NF-kB pathway?

    <p>It tags IkB for ubiquitin-mediated degradation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    NF-kB can bind DNA and regulate genes involved in tumor suppression.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one function of telomerase in cancer cells.

    <p>Maintaining telomere length.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    BCL-XL is an __________ factor that enhances cell survival.

    <p>anti-apoptotic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following target genes with their role in cancer:

    <p>TNF-α = Drives inflammatory responses IL-1 = Promotes cell growth and division VEGF = Supports blood vessel formation c-myc = Regulates cell cycle progression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which protein is essential for NF-kB activation?

    <p>IKKβ</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Chronic inflammation can lead to genetic mutations accumulating in stem cells.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What genetic defect causes Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)?

    <p>Mutation in the APC gene.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Stem cells can divide __________, producing one differentiating cell and one parental stem cell.

    <p>asymmetrically</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following pathways with their role in stem cell maintenance:

    <p>Hedgehog = Self-renewal Wnt = Stem cell maintenance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when stem cells do not revert to their resting state after regeneration?

    <p>They continually self-renew.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The immune response to infection may also target cancer cells.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one effect of NF-kB on the cell cycle?

    <p>Drives the transcription of cyclin D1.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    NF-kB supports tumors by aiding __________ formation, providing nutrients and oxygen.

    <p>blood vessel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a persistent infection associated with an increased cancer risk?

    <p>Helicobacter pylori</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Chronic inflammation has been identified as a risk factor for around 20% of human cancers.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1Beta and TNF-alpha in cancer?

    <p>They promote inflammation and can contribute to carcinogenesis by activating pathways that enhance cell proliferation and survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    COX2 is an _____ form involved in inflammation and carcinogenesis.

    <p>inducible</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the proteins/enzyme with their functions:

    <p>NF-kB = Promotes cell survival by inhibiting apoptosis COX1 = Involved in regular cellular function IL-1β = Pro-inflammatory cytokine IkB = Inhibitor that prevents NF-kB from entering the nucleus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding COX2 and cancer?

    <p>Overexpression of COX2 is found in many cancers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Regular use of aspirin has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one inherited genetic defect that can lead to Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP).

    <p>APC gene mutation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    NSAIDs, like aspirin, can inhibit _____ and reduce cancer risk.

    <p>COX2</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one mechanism by which cytokines can contribute to cancer development?

    <p>Promoting telomerase activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    NF-kB is crucial for inflammatory responses and is often overexpressed in many cancer cells.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of chronic inflammation in relation to cancer progression?

    <p>It supports tumor growth and progression through immune cell activity and cytokine release.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) can induce _____, leading to mutations.

    <p>DNA damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the IkB protein in relation to NF-kB?

    <p>To inhibit NF-kB from entering the nucleus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Immune System and Cancer

    • Cancer cells avoid immune destruction, escape the immune system, and exploit inflammation to promote tumor growth (cancer hallmarks).
    • Cancer arises from activated oncogenes and loss-of-function (LOF) tumor suppressor genes (TSGs).
    • Chronic inflammation contributes to approximately 20% of human cancers

    Cancer as a Wound That Never Heals

    • Rudolf Virchow linked inflammation and cancer in 1863, observing leukocytes in cancerous tissue.
    • Research explores the transformative abilities of inflammation in cancer development.

    Inflammation in Cancer

    • Inflammation is the body's coordinated response to damaged cells or pathogens.
    • Inflammation is often beneficial for fighting disease but can contribute to cancer progression in chronic forms.
    • LOF mutations in inflammatory response components are less likely to be transmitted to offspring. This suggests a connection between the severity of inflammatory response and fertility.
    • Inflammation is part of innate immunity
    • Inflammation involves:
      • Cytokine/chemokine production (initiates immune response)
      • Increased vasodilation (enhances blood flow)
      • Leukocyte migration (attracts immune cells)
      • Activation of JAK-STAT pathway (triggered by cytokines)
      • ROS kinase production by macrophages, linked to tumorigenesis
      • Macrophages and neutrophils are common in cancer tissue
      • TNF cytokines activate ROS, a tyrosine kinase linked to tumor development
      • Cytokine production activates immunity and cancer inflammation

    Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation

    • Acute Inflammation: Short-term, typically resolves within six months, caused by infections (e.g., HPV, HepB), strong immune response, and no increased cancer risk.
    • Chronic Inflammation: Long-term, persists without resolution, caused by persistent infections (e.g., HPV, HBV, HCV, H. pylori), or irritants (e.g., asbestos), weak immune response, increased cancer risk (contributes to ~20% of cancers).

    Mechanisms Linking Chronic Inflammation to Cancer

    • Immune Cell Actions in Tumors:
      • Cytokine secretion: Promotes cell proliferation (immune and cancer cells), inhibits apoptosis, activates telomerase, promotes angiogenesis, and induces DNA damage.
      • Supports cell movement, which aids metastasis.
    • Tumor Microenvironment Effects:
      • Upregulates proliferation/survival pathways
      • Enables tissue remodeling and mutation accumulation
      • Promotes angiogenesis and metastasis.
    • Chronic inflammation directly contributes to cancer by stimulating a response that inadvertently supports tumor growth.

    Examples of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer

    • Examples of infections linked to chronic inflammation and increased cancer risk include HPV, HBV, HCV, H. pylori, and asbestos exposure.

    Inflammatory Response and Cancer Hallmarks

    • Chronic inflammation can satisfy several cancer hallmarks by causing long-lasting inflammation, cytokine secretion (promoting immune activation and cell proliferation), inhibiting apoptosis, affecting telomerase for limitless replication, inducing blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), damaging DNA, and enabling metastasis.

    Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)

    • FAP is an inherited genetic defect in the APC gene.
    • Animal models of FAP show increased colon polyps with germline mutations and when treated with DSS, a colon irritant.

    Pro-inflammatory Cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ)

    • Critical pro-inflammatory cytokines.
    • COX enzymes synthesise prostaglandins:
      • COX1: Constitutive, involved in normal function.
      • COX2: Inducible, upregulated by cytokines, inflammation & carcinogenesis.
    • COX2 overexpression is implicated in many cancers (breast, pancreatic, colon). It induces DNA damage, enhances cell proliferation, reduces apoptosis, and increases angiogenesis.
    • Inhibiting COX2 can reduce tumor progression.

    Rational Therapy: Targeting COX2

    • NSAIDs, including COX2 inhibitors, can reduce inflammation and cancer risk.
    • Regular aspirin use is linked with a 30% reduced risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma/invasive cancer prevention.

    Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) and Cancer

    • NF-κB is a crucial transcription factor involved in inflammatory responses, activated by pro-inflammatory cytokines.
    • Overexpression or constitutive activation of NF-κB is common in cancer cells.
    • NF-κB regulates cell proliferation and death balance during acute inflammation.
    • NF-κB enhances survival by blocking cell death pathways.
    • NF-κB activates signaling pathways in both cancer and tumor-associated inflammatory cells.

    NF-κB Activation

    • NF-κB is held in the cytoplasm by IkB, which masks the nuclear localization signal.
    • IKK phosphorylates IkB, causing its dissociation from NF-κB.
    • Phosphorylated IkB is degraded, freeing NF-κB to enter the nucleus.

    Some NF-κB Target Genes

    • TNF-α, IL-1, chemokines (drive inflammation), cyclin D1, c-myc (promote cell division), telomerase (limitless replication), BCL-XL (inhibits apoptosis), VEGF (promotes angiogenesis), TNF-α, IL-1, IL-8 (enhances blood vessel formation).

    Rational Therapy: Targeting NF-κB Pathway

    • IKKβ is essential for NF-κB activation.
    • IKKβ deletion reduces cancer incidence and growth in mouse models.
    • Inhibitors targeting IKKβ exhibit potential in chemotherapy and cancer prevention.

    Cancer and Stem Cells

    • Cancer can originate in committed stem cells or during daughter cell proliferation.
    • Stem cell division types:
      • Asymmetric: One daughter cell differentiates, one remains a stem cell.
      • Symmetric: Two daughter cells become stem cells.
    • Stem cells have unlimited replication ability and support tissue regeneration.
    • Chronic inflammation and stem cells: repeated cycles of damage and regeneration, increasing the risk of mutation and malignant transformation.

    FAP, an Inherited Genetic Defect in the APC Gene

    • FAP results from an inherited APC gene mutation.
    • Loss of APC function leads to increased cell proliferation and abnormal differentiation.
    • In APC-deficient mice, DSS-induced colon inflammation leads to more polyps due to impaired differentiation during regeneration.

    Cancer and Stem Cell Genes

    • Hedgehog and Wnt pathways are crucial for stem cell self-renewal and are implicated in cancer development.
    • Cancer may arise from stem cells that don't return to a resting state after tissue repair.

    Hallmarks of Cancer

    • Inflammation induces telomerase expression to maintain cell division; immune cells need continual proliferation to fight infection.
    • NF-κB promotes cell cycle progression (cyclin D1) and inhibits apoptosis (blocking Rb-E2F), causing uncontrolled cell division.

    Tumor Immunology: Early History

    • William Coley linked bacterial infections to tumor regression, leading to the concept of immune surveillance and the use of BCG in bladder cancer therapy.

    The Balance Between Host and Tumor

    • Successful tumors evade immune surveillance by losing their immunogenicity and acquiring anti-immunogenic characteristics.

    Checkpoint Blockade: PD-1/PDL-1 System

    • The PD-1/PDL-1 system dampens T cell activity preventing autoimmune disease.
    • Tumor cells upregulate PDL-1, evading immune detection.
    • Blocking the PD-1/PDL-1 interaction with monoclonal antibodies reactivates T cells to fight cancer.

    Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T Cells

    • CAR-T cells are genetically engineered T cells that target specific cancer antigens.
    • These cells are effective at recognizing and destroying cancer cells.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Test your knowledge on the relationship between cancer and the immune system with our quiz. Cover topics like tumor growth factors, the role of inflammation, and historical discoveries in cancer research. Challenge yourself with questions about immune responses and treatments related to cancer.

    More Like This

    Guest Lecture: Cancer + CAFs
    55 questions

    CAFs Flashcards and Quiz: Cancer Biology Review

    SaneWilliamsite avatar
    SaneWilliamsite
    Tumor immune evasion mechanisms
    10 questions

    Tumor immune evasion mechanisms

    PleasantBaroque avatar
    PleasantBaroque
    Lecture 22
    32 questions

    Lecture 22

    IFAAD avatar
    IFAAD
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser