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IVT
immune escape
Mechanisms by which cancer cells evade detection and destruction by the immune system.
Full Definition
Immune escape describes the various mechanisms cancer cells employ to avoid recognition and elimination by the immune system. These include downregulation of antigen presentation, secretion of immunosuppressive factors, recruitment of regulatory immune cells, and expression of checkpoint inhibitory molecules. Understanding immune escape mechanisms is crucial for developing effective immunotherapies and combination treatments. Tumors that successfully evade immune surveillance can progress despite the presence of tumor-reactive immune cells.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate as immune escape; distinguish from broader immunosuppression concepts.
In Context
- "The tumor demonstrated multiple immune escape mechanisms including loss of MHC class I expression." — Research manuscript
- "Combination therapies aim to overcome immune escape and restore effective antitumor immunity." — Treatment protocol development
Also known as
immune evasion
immunoescape
tumor immune escape
Contrasted with
immune recognition
immune surveillance
Don't confuse with
immune tolerance
immunosuppression
immune dysfunction