Tumor-associated antigen-presenting cells

Tumor-associated antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are immune cells, primarily dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells, that process and present tumor-derived antigens (TAAs) to T cells. This interaction initiates and shapes anti-tumor immune responses. APCs capture TAAs, process them into peptide fragments, and display these peptides on MHC molecules for T cell recognition, which is crucial for activating cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and helper CD4+ T cells. Dysfunctional APCs or impaired antigen presentation can lead to immune evasion and resistance to therapy, making them important targets for cancer immunotherapy.

Other names

Tumor-associated APCsTAA-presenting cellsCancer antigen-presenting cells

Priming of T lymphocytes against tumors via MHC presentation of tumor-associated antigens.