What are the Key Components of the Immune Response to Cancer?
The immune response to cancer involves various components of the immune system, including:
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs): These cells recognize and kill cancer cells directly. Helper T cells: They support the activity of CTLs and other immune cells by releasing cytokines. Natural killer cells (NK cells): These cells can kill cancer cells without prior sensitization. Dendritic cells: They capture antigens from cancer cells and present them to T cells, initiating an immune response. Macrophages: These cells can engulf cancer cells and present antigens, and they also produce cytokines that modulate the immune response.
