Immune response to cancer and its regulation in regional lymph nodes

Regional draining lymph nodes (LNs) play a pivotal role in initiating immune responses. However, the presence of metastases may compromise their normal immunological function. Preclinical studies indicate that despite metastases, early tumor‐draining LNs are still a rich source of sensitized T cells. Recently, we found that dendritic (DC)‐tumor fusion hybrids were capable of stimulating therapeutic T‐cell generation in the LN. However, this response is regulated by a tumor‐specific suppression mechanism(s). Reversal of these dysfunctions would help the success of immunotherapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;103:550–554. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.