Final answer:
The theory of immune surveillance in tumor immunology is an immune function where it detects and kills tumor cells, primarily through killer T cells. Research in this area aims to utilize the immune system for cancer therapy by understanding and overcoming the tumor's immune-evasive strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory of immune surveillance in tumor immunology refers to the function of the immune system in which it identifies and eliminates tumor cells. These transformed tumor cells express unique antigens not found on normal body cells, which are recognized by the immune system. Killer T cells, part of the adaptive immune system, are primarily responsible for destroying these tumor cells. The cell-mediated immune response targets cancer cells that present these tumor antigens, which are not part of the normal self-proteins, making them visible to the immune system for elimination. This immune mechanism remains a significant area of research, with potential to develop cancer therapies that leverage the body's immune defenses to more effectively treat and eliminate cancer.
Immune surveillance is complex, as cancer cells can also alter immune responses to escape detection and destruction. For example, T-lymphocytes can be genetically engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CARS) that specifically target and kill cancer cells, showcasing advanced strategies in immunotherapy. Understanding how cancer cells suppress the immune system and the ways the immune system recognizes and destroys them is crucial for developing more effective cancer treatments.