Dysfunction of antigen processing and presentation by dendritic cells in cancer

Mol Immunol. 2019 Sep:113:31-37. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.03.025. Epub 2018 Apr 5.

Abstract

The ability to mount an effective anti-tumor immune response requires coordinate control of CD4 T cell and CD8 T cell function by antigen presenting cells (APCs). Unfortunately, tumors create an immunosuppressive microenvironment that helps protect tumor cells from immune recognition. In many cases this defect can be traced back to a failure of APCs (most importantly dendritic cells (DCs)) to recognize, process, and present tumor antigens to T cells. In this review, we will summarize work addressing the role of different DC subsets in anti-tumor immunity and the various mechanisms used by tumor cells to suppress the ability of APCs to stimulate potent anti-tumor T cell responses.

Keywords: Antigen processing and presentation; Cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation / immunology*
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Tumor Microenvironment / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm