Cellular and molecular analyses of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restricted and non-MHC-restricted effector cells recognizing renal cell carcinomas: problems and perspectives for immunotherapy
Institut für Immunologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit?t München, Goethestrasse 31, D-80336 Munich, Germany, DE Urologischen Klinik und Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit?t München, Goethestrasse 31, D-80336 Munich, Germany, DE
Abstract:
Renal cell carcinomas belong to the small group of tumors that are able to induce antitumor responses. Here we describe two general types of cytotoxic effector lymphocytes that can eliminate autologous tumor cells and discuss the role that major histocompatibility complex encoded molecules play in governing their specificities. Improved understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of renal cell carcinoma recognition opens new avenues of research with the potential to develop better immunotherapies for patients with metastatic disease. Received: 24 July 1996 / Accepted: 1 November 1996