Question

What are three major forms of immune evasion by tumours?

Answer 1

Tumors evade the immune system through genetic mutations that result in a loss of detectable antigens, the expression of proteins that inhibit immune responses, and mimicking host molecules. Immunotherapy and cancer vaccines are being developed to counter these evasion strategies.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cancerous tumors have developed sophisticated mechanisms to evade the body's immune system. Three major forms of immune evasion by tumors include:

1. Genetic mutations leading to the loss of tumor-specific antigens, rendering them invisible to the immune system.
2. Expression of proteins that suppress the immune response, either by directly inhibiting cytotoxic T cells or by activating regulatory T cells that diminish the immune system's ability to fight cancer.
3. Mimicking host molecules to hide from immune surveillance, similar to the strategy used by certain pathogens like HIV.

These methods of immune evasion contribute to the capability of tumors to survive and proliferate despite the body's efforts to eliminate them. Immunotherapy and cancer vaccines are areas of ongoing research aimed at strengthening the immune response against tumors. Modern strategies involve enhancing the immune system's recognition and destruction of cancer cells to prevent immune escape and combat cancer progression more effectively.