What are the Key Immune Markers in Cancer Monitoring?
Several immune markers are commonly assessed in cancer patients:
T-cell Subsets: CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells are critical for immune response; changes in their levels can indicate immune activation or suppression. Cytokines: Proteins like IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α play roles in inflammation and immune regulation; abnormal levels can reflect immune dysregulation. Checkpoint Proteins: PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 are involved in immune checkpoint pathways; their expression can influence the effectiveness of checkpoint inhibitors. Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs): The presence and density of TILs in the tumor microenvironment can provide insights into the immune response against the tumor.
