Application note: Immuno-oncology

Identifying next generation targets for cancer immunotherapy.

T cell activation requires two signals: 1) recognition of the antigenic peptide/major histocompatibility complex (MHC) by the T cell receptor (TCR) and 2) antigen-independent co-stimulation induced by interactions between co-signalling molecules expressed on antigen presenting cells (APCs) and their T cell-expressed receptors. In addition, T cell activation can be negatively regulated by co-inhibitory molecules present on APCs, which is crucial for maintaining self-tolerance and regulating the duration and magnitude of immune responses.