Tumor Immunology Flashcards
1
Q
What are normal cellular gene products? Name a few.
A
- Definition: proteins that are normally produced by healthy cells, but become tumor-associated when overexpressed or misexpressed
- ex. MAGE, CEA, AFP
2
Q
What are mutant cellular gene products? Name a few.
A
- Definition: proteins derived from mutated versions of normal genes
- results from somatic mutation
- ex. CDK-4, p53 protein, Ras proteins
3
Q
What are viral gene products? Name a few.
A
- Definition: proteins encoded by oncogenic viruses that are expressed in infected tumor cells, but not in normal human cells
- ex. HPV E6 and E7 proteins
4
Q
Describe the 3 phases of cancer immunoediting.
A
- Elimination: cells of innate and adaptive immune systems may eradicate developing tumor and protect host from tumor formation; if this phase fails, equilibrium begins
- Equilibrium: period of immune-mediated latency after incomplete tumor destruction
- Escape: final outgrowth of tumors that have outstripped immunological restraints of equilibrium phase
5
Q
List the effector mechanisms in tumor immunity (3).
A
- IgM and IgG in presence of complement
- destruction by phagocytic cells in presence of anti-tumor immune serum and complement
- antibodies against tumor cells may interfere with adhesive properties of tumor cells
6
Q
List the cell-mediated responses to tumor cells (5).
A
- T-lymphocytes
- ADCC
- NK cells and NK T-cells
- cytokine-activated killer cells
- activated macrophages and neutrophils
7
Q
Describe the proteins used in immunodiagnosis (5).
A
- myeloma proteins = plasma cell tumors
- AFP = hepatomas (liver cancer)
- CEA = cancer of GI tract
- PSA = prostate cancer
- cancer antigen-125 = ovarian cancer
8
Q
Describe the methods for tumor immunoprophylaxis (2).
A
- recombinant protein: HPV capsid protein L1 vaccine = prevents cervical cancer
- DNA vaccine: injection of naked DNA plasmid constructs with goal of having unique tumor antigen encoded and expressed by muscle cells
