Figure 1

The immune response in cancer and atopic disease. (1) Full activation of antigen presentation cells (APCs: e.g. Dendritic cell, B cell) and T cells. (2) T cell cytokines (IL-4, IL-13) and soluble CD23 ligation to CD21, induces B cell differentiation, the generation of plasma cells, the production of IgE, and the subsequent IgE-dependent activation of mast cells. (3) Activated mast cells, APCs, and T cells produce chemokines and cytokines that recruit granulocytic cells (eosinophils, macrophages, neutrophils). (4) Immuno-suppressive cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β) are produced by tumor cells, suppressor macrophages, and T regulatory (CD4+ Treg) cells. These cytokines and additional mediators or cell:cell interactions prevent a specific adaptive immune response required in tumor eradication (see text for additional details).