The more common types of cancers evade immune system destruction by becoming less detectable and by actively overcoming the immune system: (a) give an example of each, and (b) propose an experiment that could distinguish between these possibilities

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer:
a) Tumor cells are heterogeneous and contain cells that lack or express low levels of surface antigens recognized by immune cells. Cancer cells can actively overcome the immune system by producing molecules that kill or inhibit the function of T lymphocytes. Tumors also can surround themselves with dense supporting tissue that shields them from immune attack, and some cancer cells divide so quickly that the immune system cannot kill them fast enough to keep tumor growth in check.
b) One way to assess antigen expression is to use labeled antibodies to known antigens to stain the tumor cells. One way to assess the possibility that the tumor cells are secreting T cell-inhibiting molecules is to assay fluid extracted from a tumor or culture of the tumor cells for effects on T lymphocyte activity.