免疫監視機構と受動免疫療法

Abstract

Immune surveillance, which was postulated by Thomas and Burnet, is an essential host mechanism against malignant tumors. This system is considered to be composed of T-lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and macrophages. The roles and characters of these cells are explained. Many ways which stimulate the host immune system against malignant tumors have been tried experimentally and clinically. These specific and nonspecific immunotherapies are summarized herein. The prospect of the specific immunotherapy against malignant tumors, especially the adoptive transfer of immune cells to nonimmune animals, is discussed.