Induction of anti-tumor immune response through release of tumor antigens

The induction of anti-tumor immune response through release of tumor antigens is a therapeutic strategy or natural phenomenon in which antigens released from tumor cells—either as a result of cell death, damage, or other processes—are captured and presented by antigen-presenting cells (such as dendritic cells). This leads to the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and other immune effectors that specifically recognize and destroy tumor cells[7][3][4]. This process underlies the rationale for cancer vaccines, certain chemotherapies, oncolytic viral therapies, and some immunotherapies. Key antigens involved may include neoantigens, tumor-associated antigens, and antigens presented uniquely due to somatic mutations in tumors[2][7]. Although this process is central to many current cancer immunotherapies, it is not a discrete molecular target but rather a multi-component biological pathway involving a complex interplay between tumor cells, immune effectors, and the tumor microenvironment[3][4][5].

Other names

Induction of anti-tumor immunity via tumor antigen releaseTumor antigen-mediated immune activationAntitumor immune response through antigen releaseImmunogenic cell death (related process)

Enhancement of tumor antigen presentation; Activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) targeting tumor cells; Stimulation of dendritic cell cross-presentation; Induction of immunogenic cell death leading to antigen release