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Vulnerability of methylcholanthrene-induced tumours to immunity aroused by syngeneic foetal cells

Nature volume 271, pages 164–165 (1978)Cite this article

Abstract

IT is a well-observed fact that the growth of malignant tumours in experimental animals and in man is often accompanied by the renewed formation of embryonic or foetal substances the synthesis of which would normally have been switched off much earlier in life. This manifestation of anaplasia has often been reviewed1–3. Among such foetal substances are antigens capable of arousing a cell-mediated immunity (CMI) directed both against embryonic cells and also against tumours. This makes it possible to perform experiments which would normally have been prohibited by the fact that the tumours induced by chemical oncogens are almost always antigenically sui generis. We present evidence that protection against tumours is secured by immunity to embryo-specific antigens aroused by normal pregnancy or by deliberate inoculation of embryonic cells. This might explain the known association between childbearing and the diminished risk of breast cancer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Research Centre, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex, UK

    P. B. MEDAWAR & R. HUNT

Authors
  1. P. B. MEDAWAR
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  2. R. HUNT
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MEDAWAR, P., HUNT, R. Vulnerability of methylcholanthrene-induced tumours to immunity aroused by syngeneic foetal cells. Nature 271, 164–165 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/271164a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/271164a0

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