T cell immunity against MHC-Ilow tumors in mouse models

Abstract

Tumors can evade recognition by the immune system through downregulation of the peptide-presenting MHC-I molecules. In this thesis, we describe that these tumors can still be targeted by a novel category of CD8 T cells, recognizing a specific peptide presented on those immune-escaped tumors. We describe the selection and characteristics of these specific T cells and show they can protect against a challenge with these MHC-I low tumors. This could be a novel type of therapy for tumors which have become resistant against conventional (immune)therapies.