tumor immune escape: apoptosis resistance induced by the tumor-microenvironment

Abstract

Abstract: Immunotherapy is a promising strategy in the fight against cancer, based on the mechanism of action of T cells. However tumors have developed several ways to evade this strategy. This is done by interfering with the intrinsic or extrinsic apoptotic cascade, used by T cells to kill tumor cells. This can be done by interfering with molecules involved in the apoptotic cascade or by interfering with regulators of the apoptotic cascade or, by interfering with regulators of regulators of the apoptotic cascade. This interference leads to a reduced sensitivity to CTL mediated lysis or even to a complete resistance against CTL mediated lysis.