Contributing Editors:
Jennifer H Benbow, PhD
David Foureau, PhD
Edward S. Kim, MD
Module Overview
Recall that both the innate and adaptive cells of the immune system are involved in anti-tumor activity. Factors of the immune system can either promote or reduce immunity. Activating, or stimulatory, factors promote or stimulate the immune response. Inhibitory factors reduce the ability of the immune system to mount response or block the ability of the immune system to function at full capacity. Many activating and inhibitory pathways have been identified in both effector and non-effector immune cells. Balance between activating and inhibitory pathways is necessary to maintain proper immune function. Cancer immunotherapy is an artificial stimulation of the immune system enhancing its natural ability to fight cancer.
Module Objectives
Upon completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Understand the importance and regulation of costimulatory and inhibitory signaling pathways in the immune response
- Understanding the main costimulatory and inhibitory receptors and ligands involved in these signaling pathways
- Understand the potential importance of the immune checkpoint receptors and ligands in immunotherapy treatments
Thank you for participating in this module. Click below to download the certificate.