Tumor cell recognition and cytotoxicity

Tumor cell recognition and cytotoxicity refers to the multifaceted process by which immune effector cells—primarily cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells) and natural killer (NK) cells—detect and kill tumor cells. Recognition is mediated by a range of antigen-specific and innate immune receptors, while cytotoxicity involves the release of lytic granules containing perforin and granzymes, cytokine-induced apoptosis, and engagement of death receptors. There is no single molecular entity or receptor with this name; the term encompasses various molecules such as the T cell receptor (TCR), natural cytotoxicity receptors (e.g., NKp30, NKp44, NKp46), and co-inhibitory receptors (e.g., PD-1, CTLA-4), all of which play essential but distinct roles in the overall anticancer immune response[1][2][3][5].