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Currently, we acknowledge that the immune system acts (at least) in three different ways to prevent cancer:
The dual role, according to which the immune system can suppress and/or promote Tumor growth is known as cancer immunoediting.
The host immune system is crucial in preventing cancer through various mechanisms. Firstly, it suppresses tumors induced by viruses, counteracting the effects of viral infections. Secondly, it prevents the establishment of an inflammatory environment that could promote tumor development. Lastly, it eliminates tumor cells that express ligands for receptors active on innate immune cells, as well as tumor antigens recognized by adaptive immune cells.
Immune cells are always on the move throughout the body, vigilantly searching for any foreign entities like bacteria, viruses, and even cancer cells. They accomplish this task by utilizing their molecular receptors to identify foreign molecules that are presented on the surfaces of invading cells. When an intruder is detected, a particular group of immune cells, called cytotoxic T cells, is triggered to neutralize the threat.
The immune system is long thought to play a dominant role in cancer control, and its absence will significantly contribute to carcinogenesis and cancer progression
Cancer cells, due to their genetic instability, have the ability to evade immunosurveillance, which can potentially result in cancer development. Consequently, targeted immunotherapy emerges as a groundbreaking anti-cancer strategy. It is designed to enhance the host's anti-tumor immune response while simultaneously addressing recurrence mechanisms and cancer resistance.
see also:
Cancer immunology / Tumor immunity
Cancer Immunotherapy / Immuno-Oncology