抵抗 T 细胞攻击：肿瘤细胞内在防御与修复机制

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are antigen-specific killer cells equipped to identify and eliminate host cells that have been altered through infection or transformation. Both chimeric antigen-receptor (CAR) T cell therapies and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies are based on successful elimination of tumor cells by cytotoxic effectors. In this opinion article, we outline cell-intrinsic mechanisms by which tumor cells defend against CTLs, highlighting pathways that confer resistance and proposing opportunities for combination therapies.

We discuss how exogenous killing entities [e. g. , supramolecular attack particles (SMAPs)] offer a novel strategy to circumvent cellular resistance mechanisms.

Our opinion article highlights the importance of identifying, quantifying, and targeting tumor defense mechanisms at the interface between tumor cells and CTLs as a critical consideration in the development of immunotherapy approaches.