18 Questions
What is the role of the immune system in preventing cancer, and how does immunodeficiency increase cancer risk?
The immune system plays a crucial role in preventing cancer through immune surveillance. People with immunodeficiency, such as those with HIV or organ transplant recipients treated with immunosuppressive drugs, have an increased risk of cancer development due to their weakened immune system.
How do cancer cells avoid immune attack, and what is the significance of MHC class I molecules in this process?
Cancer cells avoid immune attack by down-regulating MHC class I molecules, which reduces antigen presentation to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. This allows cancer cells to evade recognition by the immune system.
What is the significance of antigenic modulation in cancer cells, and how does it contribute to immune evasion?
Antigenic modulation refers to the lack of immunogenic antigens expressed on cancer cells, making them less recognizable by the immune system. This allows cancer cells to evade immune attack.
What is the role of fibroblasts in creating a physical barrier against immune cells in tumors?
Fibroblasts in tumors produce collagen, which creates a physical barrier (tumor nests) that prevents the interaction of immune cells with tumor cells.
What is adoptive cellular therapy, and how does it differ from traditional cancer immunotherapy strategies?
Adoptive cellular therapy involves the ex vivo expansion and activation of autologous T cells, which are then re-infused into the patient to target cancer cells. This approach differs from traditional cancer immunotherapy strategies, which often rely on stimulating the immune system to produce an anti-tumor response.
What are LEUKAEMIAS AND LYMPHOMAS, and what are the common causes of these cancers?
Leukaemias and lymphomas are types of cancer that affect the immune system. The common causes of these cancers include genetic mutations, exposure to radiation or certain chemicals, and viral infections.
What is the mechanism of immune checkpoint blockade in cancer immunotherapy?
Unleash pre-existing anticancer T cell responses and possibly triggers new anticancer T cells.
What is the purpose of adoptive cellular therapy in cancer treatment?
To generate chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T cells) that recognize and bind to specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells.
What is the most common type of leukaemia in Australia?
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
What is the primary function of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in cancer cells?
To inhibit T cells.
What is the main difference between leukaemia and lymphoma?
Leukaemia originates in blood or bone marrow, while lymphoma forms a tumor in lymphoid organs such as lymph nodes.
What is the primary target of chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T cells) in adoptive cellular therapy?
Specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells.
What is the purpose of washing the gel extensively in the process of identifying antibodies?
To remove unbound antibodies and only retain immune complexes containing the appropriate immunoglobulin components
What type of malignancy is characterized by a narrow band or 'M protein' on electrophoresis of serum proteins?
Monoclonal plasma cell disorder
Why are B cell malignancies more common than T cell malignancies?
Due to the increased risk of genetic mutations during V(D)J recombination, somatic hypermutation, and class switch recombination
What is the role of somatic hypermutation in B cell malignancies?
It can cause mutations in proto-oncogenes, leading to cancer development
How does class switch recombination contribute to the development of B cell malignancies?
It can lead to incorrect recombination, resulting in chromosomal translocations and mutations
What is the significance of DNA strand breakage in the development of B cell malignancies?
It increases the risk of chromosomal translocations and mutations that can lead to cancer development
Explore the role of immune checkpoint proteins like PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 in cancer cells. Learn about the mechanisms behind cancer immunotherapy strategies involving immune checkpoint blockade with antibodies. Study the inhibition of T cells by secreting proteins like TGF-β, IL-10, and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO).
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