immunosurveillance

Immunosurveillance is a concept in immunology that describes the continuous monitoring of the body's cells by the immune system. This process is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and preventing the development of cancer and other diseases. Immunosurveillance involves the recognition and elimination of abnormal cells, such as cancer cells, that do not express normal self-antigens or display altered antigens. This surveillance is primarily mediated by the adaptive immune system, including T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, which can recognize and destroy cells displaying abnormal antigens.

The effectiveness of immunosurveillance can be influenced by various factors, including the individual's genetic makeup, age, and overall health. For example, older individuals may have a reduced ability to mount an effective immune response against cancer cells, which can contribute to the higher incidence of cancer in this population. Additionally, chronic inflammation and immune suppression, as seen in conditions like HIV/AIDS or autoimmune diseases, can impair immunosurveillance and increase the risk of cancer development.

Immunosurveillance is not a passive process but rather an active one, involving the coordinated efforts of various immune cells and signaling pathways. The discovery of immunosurveillance has led to the development of cancer immunotherapy strategies, which aim to enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. These therapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell transfer, have shown promise in treating various types of cancer by harnessing the body's natural immune defenses.