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Nature 437, 41-42 (1 September 2005) | doi:10.1038/437041a; Published online 31 August 2005

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Cancer immunology:  Cat and mouse games

Cornelis J. M. Melief1

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The immune system is intimately involved in how tumours develop. But how do tumours avoid being killed by immune responses? It seems that in some instances they can lull immune cells into a false sense of security.

A troubled relationship exists between the immune system and tumours — not unlike that between the cartoon characters Tom and Jerry. Tom's disposition is to catch and devour mice, but he hardly ever succeeds in capturing Jerry, who has just too many tricks up his sleeve.

  1. Cornelis J. M. Melief is in the Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
    Email: c.melief@lumc.nl

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