Year: 2006
Type: article
Abstract: Dendritic cells (DCs) are a complex network of antigen-presenting cells that have an essential role in the modulation of primary immunity. There has been increasing evidence that DCs isolated from patients with malignancy demonstrate functional deficiencies that inhibit the capacity to mount an effective anti-tumor response. In this issue of Breast Cancer Research, Pinzon-Charry and colleagues investigate one of the possible mechanisms by which tumors induce DC dysfunction to evade host immune surveillance. They demonstrate that DCs isolated from the circulation of patients with early-stage breast cancer exhibit increased rates of spontaneous apoptosis. In vitro studies suggest that a soluble factor secreted by breast cancer cells is responsible for this phenomenon. In contrast, ex vivo conditioning of DCs with CD-40 ligand and IL-12 was protective against tumor-induced apoptosis.
Source: Breast Cancer Research
DOI: 10.1186/bcr1375
Authors: Corrine Lenahan, David Avigan
Institution: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,190
OpenAlex ID: W1517416547