The primary cells that directly kill tumor cells are T cells.
How T Cells Combat Cancer
The immune system has a specialized group of cells called T cells, which play a crucial role in fighting cancer. These cells are a type of white blood cell that recognizes cancer cells as foreign entities and attacks them. Here's a closer look at their function:
- Recognition: T cells have receptors on their surface that can recognize specific antigens (proteins) on the surface of cancer cells.
- Attack and Destruction: Once a T cell recognizes a cancer cell, it activates and releases substances that can directly kill the cancer cell. This process is called cytotoxic activity.
The Immune System's Role
The immune system, including T cells, works continuously to identify and eliminate abnormal cells, including cancer cells. However, sometimes cancer cells can evade the immune system, which leads to the growth and spread of tumors.
Other Immune Cells Involved
While T cells are the primary cells that directly kill tumor cells, other immune cells are also involved in the overall anti-tumor response, such as:
- Natural Killer (NK) cells: These cells are also capable of killing cancer cells and often act as the first line of defense.
- Macrophages: These cells engulf and destroy cancer cells through a process called phagocytosis, and they can also present antigens to T cells, helping to activate them.
Importance of T Cell Function in Cancer Treatment
Understanding how T cells kill cancer cells has been critical in developing immunotherapies. Treatments like checkpoint inhibitors aim to enhance T cell activity against cancer, and T cell therapies such as CAR-T cell therapy aim to boost or modify T cells for a more effective anti-tumor response.
| Immune Cell | Primary Function | Role in Cancer |
|---|---|---|
| T Cells | Directly kill tumor cells by recognizing foreign antigens. | Direct killer of cancer cells, key for immunotherapies. |
| NK Cells | Kills abnormal cells (e.g., cancer cells) without prior sensitization. | First line of defense against tumors. |
| Macrophages | Engulfs and digests cancer cells, also presents antigens to T cells. | Supports T-cell activation and direct killing of cancer cells. |
