Tumor immunity as autoimmunity: tumor antigens include normal self proteins which stimulate anergic peripheral T cells.
Oncogenic transformation is often accompanied by a significant overproduction of otherwise normal cellular proteins. Because of the low expression of such self components during thymic development, T cells specific for these antigens can escape deletion and progress to the periphery. In this viewpoint, Giorgio Parmiani discusses the concept that these T cells can be harnessed to provide an effective anti-tumor response.
Parmiani
G
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Division of Experimental Oncology D, National Tumor Institute, Milan, Italy.
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000276:immunology*; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000276:immunology*; D015551:Autoimmunity; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D001324:Autoantigens