hematology and oncology
Host Response to Tumors
Introduction
The immune response to foreign antigens consists of Humoral mechanisms (eg, antibodies) Cellular mechanisms (See also Tumor Antigens .) Most humoral responses cannot prevent tumor growth. However, effector cells, such as T cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells, have relatively effective tumoricidal abilities. Effector cell activity is induced by other cells that present tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) or tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) on their surface (these cells are called antigen-presenting cells) and is supported by Cytokines (eg, interleukins, interferons). Despite the activity of effector cells, host immunoreactivity may fail to control tumor occurrence and growth. 