Immunology of head and neck cancer

Abstract

The immune system plays a key role in the development, establishment, and progression of head and neck cancer. A greater understanding of the dysregulation and evasion of the immune system in the evolution and progression of head and neck cancers provides the basis for improved therapies and outcomes for patients. Head and neck cancer evades the host’s immune system on different levels: (1) manipulation of its own immunogenicity, (2) production of immunosuppressive molecules, and (3) promotion of immunomodulatory cell types. Through the tumor’s influence on the microenvironment, the immune system can be exploited to promote metastasis, angiogenesis, and growth. In this chapter, we review basic immunology as it relates to head and neck cancer and discuss the theory of cancer immunosurveillance and immune escape. A brief overview to key components in the tumor microenvironment is provided. Current research on cytokines as biomarkers, cancer stem cells, tumor antigens, and immunotherapeutic strategies is presented.