How do killer T cells recognise cancer cells from other body cells?

Question

Penelope Adams · Accepted Answer

T-cells are part of what is known as the cancer - immunity cycle.

When cancer cells die, they release substances known as antigens, which the immune system can recognize. These antigens are displayed on the cell surface of immune cells known as antigen presenting cells. T cells can then enter the tumor through blood vessels, enter the tumor, recognize the cancer cells, and eliminate them. Tumor specific antigens are known to exist and the body mounts spontaneous T cell responses against them. In cancer patients, mutated genes encode approximately half of the highly tumor specific antigens recognized by spontaneous T cell responses, while cancer germline genes encode the remaining half. Tumor germline genes are an important source of tumor specific antigens.

Sebastian Alvarado · Answer

undefined Killer T cells identify cancer cells by looking for abnormal or mutated proteins on their surface. These abnormal proteins, also called tumor antigens, are frequently derived from mutated or overexpressed proteins found in cancer cells. T cell receptors (TCRs) on killer T cells have receptors that can bind to specific antigens presented on the surface of cells by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. When a killer T cell comes into contact with a cancer cell that has tumor antigens on its surface, the TCR binds to the antigen-MHC complex, which then causes the killer T cell to destroy the cancer cell using a variety of methods, including releasing cytotoxic molecules or inducing apoptosis.

Maya Anderson · Answer

undefined Killer T cells recognize cancer cells through a process involving antigens. Cancer cells often display abnormal proteins, called tumor antigens, on their surface. Killer T cells have receptors that can recognize these abnormal antigens. When a killer T cell encounters a cancer cell displaying such antigens, it binds to it. This binding triggers a series of events that ultimately lead to the destruction of the cancer cell by the killer T cell. This recognition mechanism is part of the immune system's surveillance against cancer and helps in targeting and eliminating cancerous cells from the body.