Tumour immunology: T cells work together to fight cancer

A central question in tumour immunology is whether a tumour-specific immune response is capable of controlling tumour progression in cancer patients. Although several animal models have established the role of tumour-specific CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells in antitumour immunity, a definitive role for these cells in tumour-specific immunity in patients with cancer has yet to be shown. It is likely, however, that a successful anticancer vaccine will need to induce both of the components of protective immunity — antibody-mediated and cell-mediated immune responses.