Enhancing immune responses to tumor-associated antigens

Abstract

The goal of vaccine-based cancer immunotherapy is to induce a tumor-specific immune

response that ultimately reduces tumor burden. However, the immune system is often

tolerant to antigens presented by the tumor, as the cancer originates from within a patient

and is therefore recognized as self. This article reviews selected clinical strategies for

overcoming this immune tolerance, and approaches to enhance generation of immunity to

tumor-associated antigens by activating innate immunity, potentiating adaptive immunity,

reducing immunosuppression, and enhancing tumor immunogenicity. Success in the field

of cancer vaccines has yet to be fully realized, but intelligent choice of

immunomodulators, tumor antigens, and patient populations will likely lead to clinically

relevant uses for cancer vaccines.