Commentary, Adv Biomed Res Vol: 6 Issue: 1

Understanding the Role of the Immune System against Cancer

Aaron Yang^*

Department of Oncology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China

*Corresponding Author:Aaron Yang
Department of Oncology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China;
E-mail: da.yang@nja.edu.cn

Received date: 22 February, 2023, Manuscript No. ABRI-23-95936;

Editor assigned date: 27 February, 2023, Pre QC No. ABRI-23-95936(PQ);

Reviewed date: 15 March, 2023, QC No. ABRI-23-95936;

Revised date: 22 March, 2023, Manuscript No: ABRI-23-95936(R);

Published date: 29 March, 2023, DOI: 10.4172/ABRI.1000122.

Citation: Yang A (2023) Understanding the Role of the Immune System against Cancer. Adv Biomed Res Innov 6:1.

Keywords: Immune System

Description

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body against foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. The two main branches of the immune system are the innate and adaptive immune systems. The innate immune system provides rapid, nonspecific defense against a wide range of pathogens, while the adaptive immune system provides more targeted and long-lasting defense against specific pathogens. The adaptive immune system is composed of two types of cells: B cells and T cells. B cells produce antibodies, which are proteins that recognize and bind to specific foreign antigens. One of the primary functions of the immune system in preventing cancer is to recognize and destroy cells that have become abnormal or mutated. This process is known as immunosurveillance. Immunosurveillance involves the recognition of abnormal cells by immune cells, such as T cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells and the subsequent destruction of these cells. There are two main types of T cells: Helper T cells, which coordinate the immune response, and cytotoxic T cells, which directly kill infected or abnormal cells. Another important component of the immune system in the fight against cancer is the production of antibodies. Antibodies are proteins produced by B cells in response to the presence of antigens. These antibodies can bind to cancer cells and mark them for destruction by other immune cells. In addition to the recognition and destruction of cancer cells, the immune system also plays a critical role in preventing the growth and spread of cancer. This is achieved through a process known as immunomodulation. Immunomodulation involves the regulation of the immune response to cancer cells, with the goal of promoting an effective immune response while avoiding an excessive or harmful response.

The key mechanism of immunomodulation is the inhibition of immune checkpoint pathways. Immune checkpoint pathways are regulatory pathways that control the activation and function of T cells. Cancer cells are able to exploit these pathways to evade the immune response. However, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, can prevent the inhibition of T cell function and promote an effective immune response against cancer cells. Another important mechanism of immunomodulation is the activation of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. The tumor microenvironment is the area immediately surrounding the tumor and consists of a complex network of cells, including immune cells, stromal cells, and blood vessels. The immune cells within the tumor microenvironment are often suppressed and unable to effectively recognize and destroy cancer cells. However, the use of immunostimulatory agents, such as Toll-like receptor agonists, can activate immune cells within the tumor microenvironment and promote an effective immune response against cancer cells. Following the initial treatment of cancer, it is common for cancer cells to remain in the body at low levels. These cells are known as Minimal Residual Disease (MRD). The immune system is able to recognize and destroy MRD, thereby preventing the recurrence of cancer.

Finally the immune system is able to prevent the recurrence of cancer by recognizing and destroying minimal residual disease. The understanding of the role of the immune system in the fight against cancer has led to the development of new immunotherapies that have shown great promise.