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Immunology and Cancer

This three-part series explores the human immune response to cancer focusing on cellular and molecular details of the process. Part 1 showcases the process of antigen harvesting by dendritic cells and later the T-cell maturation process. Part 2 focuses on T-cell activation and demonstrates the mechanisms by which the immune system destroys the cancer cells. Part 3 focuses on the immune checkpoints - a mechanism by which the immune system terminates the immune response and later describes the immune checkpoint therapies used in cancer treatment.

To access the individual sections indicated in each Video Guide, click on a link and hit the “Play” button on the YouTube video. The video will start playing at the indicated time.

Part 1: Dendritic Cells, Antigens, and T-cell Maturation


Video Guide

  • Immune system introduction – 0:06

  • Dendritic cell introduction – 0:20

  • Antigen/neoantigen harvesting and processing by dendritic cells – 0:40

  • Major Histocompatibility Complex I and II introduction – 1:05

  • T-cells maturation in the thymus and generation of T-cell receptor – 1:49

  • T-cell receptor testing for “self” antigens and elimination – 2:32

  • T-cell differentiation into Helper and Killer types – 2:50

  • Initial steps in T-cell activation – 3:19


Part 2: T-cell Activation and Action


Video Guide

  • Primary signal in Killer and Helper T-cell activation – 0:09

  • Secondary signal in T-cell activation – 0:32

  • T-cells proliferation – 0:45

  • Killer T-cell action – destruction of cancer cells – 1:11

  • Helper T-cell action – activation of B-cells and Macrophages – 1:38


Part 3: Immune Checkpoints: Biology and Therapeutic Strategies


Video Guide

  • Introduction to immune checkpoints – 0:05

  • Secondary signal inhibition at the dendritic cell/T-cell synapse – 0:17

  • Primary signal inhibition in Killer T-cells by PD-1/PDL-1 interaction – 0:58

  • Tumor formation and metastasis – 1:50

  • Introduction to immune checkpoints therapies and monoclonal antibodies – 2:03

  • Restoration of the secondary signal at the dendritic cell/T-cell synapse by monoclonal antibodies – 2:21

  • Restoration of Killer T-cell action by monoclonal antibodies – 2:34

  • Monoclonal antibody cocktails – 2:45


Related Downloads

Still images

Primary and secondary signal in T-cell activation

Side-by-side image of proteins conducting the primary and secondary signal in T-cell activation

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Proliferating T-cell synapsed with dendritic cell

Proliferating T-cell synapsed with dendritic cell

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Immune checkpoint at the T-cell and dendritic cell synapse

Natural and synthetic opioids targeting opioid receptors on a neuron

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Quick video previews

Antigen Harvesting

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T-cell Activation

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Immune Checkpoints

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Learn more about Cancer at PDB-101