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Immunity in the tumor‐bearing host and its modification by serum factors
Author(s) -
Baldwin Robert W.,
Embleton Michael J.,
Price Michael R.,
Robins Adrian
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(197410)34:8+<1452::aid-cncr2820340817>3.0.co;2-j
Subject(s) - medicine , immunity , host (biology) , bearing (navigation) , immunology , immune system , genetics , biology , cartography , geography
Tumor‐bearing individuals initiate immune responses to tumor‐associated neoantigens. These responses are demonstrable by in vitro analyses of cell‐mediated and humoral immune reactions, although it is emphasized that in most human studies, their correlation with positive tumor rejection reactions has not as yet been fully substantiated. Detection of cell‐mediated immunity in tumor‐bearing hosts has led to the concept that its effectiveness in controlling tumor growth may be modified or impaired by antagonistic humoral factors. This proposal is discussed with regard to the role of blocking reactions operative at the level of the target tumor cell, and with respect to direct inhibition of lymphocyte cytotoxicity by interaction with humoral factors. Available evidence indicates that blocking reactions are probably mediated by tumor‐specific immune complexes, and although antibody‐mediated blocking has been detected, its relevance in abrogating cell‐mediated immunity in the tumor‐bearing host is questionable. Alternatively, inhibition of the reactivity of sensitized lymphocytes, by tumor antigen or immune complexes, may prove to be of more importance in the immunologic control of tumor growth.