What is the Role of HLA Class I in Cancer Immunology?
HLA Class I molecules are expressed on almost all nucleated cells and are responsible for presenting peptide fragments from intracellular proteins to CD8+ T cells. In cancer, the presentation of tumor antigens allows the immune system to recognize and destroy cancerous cells. The effectiveness of this immune surveillance depends on the ability of cancer cells to present these antigens effectively. Tumors often develop mechanisms to evade immune detection by downregulating HLA Class I expression or modifying the presented peptides, thus avoiding T cell recognition and destruction.
