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Immunity to melanoma: unraveling the relation of tumor immunity and autoimmunity

Oncogene volume 22, pages 3180–3187 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

Cancer cells express self-antigens that are weakly recognized by the immune system. Even though responses against autologous cells are difficult to induce, the immune system is still able to mount a response against cancer. The discovery of the molecular identity of antigens that are recognized by the immune system of melanoma patients has led to the elucidation of tumor immunity at a cellular and molecular level. Multiple pathways in both the priming and effector phases of melanoma rejection have been described. Animal models' active immunotherapies for melanoma show a requirement for the cellular compartment of the immune system in the priming phase, primarily CD4+T cells. More diverse elements are required for the effector phase, including components from the innate immune system (macrophages, complement and/or natural killer cells) and from the adaptive immune system (CD8+T cells and B cells). Minor differences in amino-acid sequences of antigens must determine the particular mechanisms involved in tumor rejection. Since the immune system contains T and B cells that recognize and reject autologous cells, a consequence of tumor immunity is potential autoimmunity. There are distinct pathways for tumor immunity and autoimmunity. The requirements for autoimmunity at the priming phase seem to be CD4+/IFN-γ dependent while the effector mechanisms are alternative and redundant. Vitiligo (autoimmune hypopigmentation) can be mediated by T cells, FcγR+macrophages and/or complement.

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Acknowledgements

TR-M is the recipient of a Cancer Research Award. The work of the authors has been supported by the National Cancer Institute and Swim Across America.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, 1275 York Avenue, New York, 10021, NY, USA

    Teresa Ramirez-Montagut, Mary Jo Turk, Jedd D Wolchok, José A Guevara-Patino & Alan N Houghton

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  1. Teresa Ramirez-Montagut
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  2. Mary Jo Turk
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  3. Jedd D Wolchok
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  4. José A Guevara-Patino
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Correspondence to Alan N Houghton.

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Ramirez-Montagut, T., Turk, M., Wolchok, J. et al. Immunity to melanoma: unraveling the relation of tumor immunity and autoimmunity. Oncogene 22, 3180–3187 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.onc.1206462

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