How Do Tumors Evade the Immune System via HLA Class I?
Tumors can escape immune detection through several mechanisms involving HLA Class I molecules. These include downregulation of HLA Class I expression, resulting in reduced antigen presentation. This can occur through mutations or alterations in the genes responsible for HLA molecule expression. Additionally, tumors may alter the peptide repertoire presented on HLA molecules, making them less recognizable to T cells. Moreover, some tumors express non-classical HLA molecules, such as HLA-G, which can inhibit immune cell activation and promote immune tolerance.
