Immunology & Cancer

Question 1

What is cancer ?

Answer 1

• a collective term for disorders characterised by somatic genetic mutations which accumulate
• radiation, chemicals, virus damages integrity of DNA

Question 2

Describe tumours of the immune system

Answer 2

• lymphomas in solid tissue, leukaemia are clones of single cells in blood & lymph
• many activate oncogenes by translocation to very active gene expression promoters such as antibody genes, TCR genes

Question 3

Describe Immune System Activity

Answer 3

• tumour grafts & transplants are rejected
• tumours are full of white cells
• some tumours occur more frequently in immunocompromised

Question 4

Describe Tumour Specific Antigens

Answer 4

• TSA , TSTA
• Unique to tumour cells, frequently specific to one tumour type –> virus protein, mutated cellular proteins

Question 5

Describe Tumour Associated Antigens

Answer 5

• TAA, TATA
• Inappropriate expression of normal protein

Question 6

Describe Tumour Escape

Answer 6

• sequestration
• shed antigen
• active immunosuppression
• genetic restriction
• weak antigenicity, toleration