Abstract
The observation that in some cases tumors undergo spontaneous regression concomitantly with autoimmune manifestations has been interpreted as an indication of the involvement of the immune system in tumor rejection. This raised the conceptual possibility that the immune system could be used against the tumor. However, since tumor cells are poorly immunogenic by themselves, early attempts to develop immune-based approaches for cancer therapy saw the use of tumor cells transduced with genes coding for cytokines or costimulatory molecules to enhance in vivo immunity. The identification of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-defined tumor associated antigens has allowed the development of new strategies for cancer immunotherapy. Novel adjuvants have been identified, and different modes of antigen delivery were devised which aim at inducing efficient CTL responses in patients. This review will discuss some of what is currently considered as relevant aspects of antitumor immunization.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Received 19 July 2002; received after revision 11 December 2002; accepted 13 December 2002