Introduction on cancer immunology and immunotherapy

Abstract

Cancer, a major public health threat affecting people at all ages, is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and genetic instability. The immune system can recognize tumor cells and mediate antigen-specific tumor rejection under certain condition. The molecular and cellular basis of immune recognition and antitumor immunity is now better understood. In addition, it is now evident that tumors may mediate immunosuppression through various soluble and cellular mechanisms which protect established tumors from immune system recognition or rejection. These advances in understanding the role of the immune system in cancer have led to a variety of specific and nonspecific approaches designed to initiate or enhance antitumor immunity, which in turn result in significant therapeutic effects in a variety of cancers. Moreover, immunotherapy is being established as a major class of drugs for cancer therapy. This chapter will review the scope of the cancer problem, describe the basis of antitumor immunity, and introduce the concept of tumor immunotherapy.