The role of MHC class II-restricted tumor antigens and CD4+ T cells in antitumor immunity

RF Wang - Trends in immunology, 2001 - cell.com
RF Wang
Trends in immunology, 2001cell.com
The identification of tumor antigens has generated a resurgence of interest in
immunotherapy for cancer. However, both clinical and animal studies suggest that
therapeutic strategies that have mainly focused on the use of CD8+ T cells (and MHC class I-
restricted tumor antigens) are not effective in eliminating cancer cells. Recent interest has
been directed towards the use of CD4+ T cells in generating antitumor immunity. To this end,
the identification of MHC class II-restricted tumor antigens that can stimulate CD4+ T cells …
Abstract
The identification of tumor antigens has generated a resurgence of interest in immunotherapy for cancer. However, both clinical and animal studies suggest that therapeutic strategies that have mainly focused on the use of CD8+ T cells (and MHC class I-restricted tumor antigens) are not effective in eliminating cancer cells. Recent interest has been directed towards the use of CD4+ T cells in generating antitumor immunity. To this end, the identification of MHC class II-restricted tumor antigens that can stimulate CD4+ T cells might provide opportunities for developing effective cancer vaccines.
cell.com