Understanding Cancer Cell Development and Immune System Challenges in Fighting it

avatar
(Edited)

Have you ever wondered how a large fire accident starts? It can begin with something as simple as a spark from a wire, an explosion of a gas cylinder, or even a lit matchstick. In similar terms, cancer originates within the body. Today, in this post, we will delve into the fascinating process of how cancer cells take control of the body and why the body's immune system faces challenges in eliminating them, unlike with minor infections and diseases they overcome in our body.

This intricate process of a tumor cell begins with a single cell that undergoes genetic changes, rendering it incapable of repairing its genetic information or undergoing apoptosis (cell death). Nevertheless, it retains the ability to reproduce more genetically mutated cells like itself. Just like the fire illustration I made at the beginning of the post, this cell rapidly multiplies, gradually encroaching upon the space meant for healthy cells in the body. In their early stages, these tumor cells aren't inherently dangerous as they continue to proliferate.


Max Pixel

As the tumor cells continue their relentless reproduction, they give rise to tumors that can mutate and develop a network of blood vessels. The blood vessels will perform the function of feeding the cells so they can perform just one function which is reproduction. Without a sufficient blood supply and essential nutrients, these tumor cells would naturally wither away which is good as we will not have the tumor problem again. However, the body's inherent survival mechanisms drive the tumors to seek alternative means of sustenance, which is where the importance of blood vessels comes into play. With a continuous source of nourishment, the tumor cells persistently reproduce. Over time, depending on the location of the tumor which can be anywhere in the body, they inflict damage upon surrounding cells and organs.

The presence of a tumor causing the death of naturally existing cells triggers the body's immune system, which naturally reacts to the presence of dead or abnormal cells. The body's natural defense Macrophages, dendritic cells (DC), and Natural Killer cells infiltrate the tumor, engulfing and consuming the tumor cells. This process prompts the release of chemical signals known as cytokines (IL-12), signaling the presence of something foreign within the body. Working in tandem with dendritic cells (DC), helper cells and T-cells are subsequently released.


Wikimedia commons

Just as you were having that thought that you don't have any cancer cells in your body, your immune system just destroyed a rogue cell that could have become a cancer cell in your body. The immune system does it a lot thereby keeping you healthy and alive. For cancer to occur, a mutation has to occur in genes such as the Tumor Suppressor genes p53 (TSG), Oncogenes (which cause the cells to multiply rapidly), anti-apoptotic gene bcl-2, and the pro-apoptotic gene Bax which causes the cells to live on without programmed death.

T-cells play a pivotal role in impeding the growth of new blood vessels and attacking lymphatic vessels connected to the malignant growth. However, certain tumor cells develop resistance, outsmarting the immune system and transforming into cancerous cells. They specifically target inhibitory receptors on anti-cancer cells, thereby evading elimination by the immune cells.


Wikimedia Commons

Cancer cells employ various tactics to circumvent detection by the immune system. They evade MHC expression, including MHC-1 molecules, making it arduous for cells to identify the cancer cells. Additionally, they employ antigenic modulation, countering MHC-2 molecules responsible for macrophages presenting antigens. Moreover, cancer cells diminish costimulatory signals, impeding the expression of B7 to T-cells and hindering their ability to kill cancer cells. Finally, cancer cells resort to antibody masking, preventing other immune cells from detecting their presence.

While cancer cells pose a significant threat and can lead to death, it is important to note that once the body succumbs, the cancer cells themselves perish. Just as we mentioned that our cells mutate regularly and when they are bad, our immune system kills them but this damage to the DNA of a cell can be increased by smoking drinking alcohol, inhaling asbestos, exposure to ultraviolet rays continuously, and contracting viruses such as HBV.

Reference
hive-196387 stemng cancer neoxian proofofbrain ecency science biology waivio cent
0
0
0.000
3 comments
avatar

Congratulations @ireti! You have completed the following achievement on the Hive blockchain And have been rewarded with New badge(s)

You made more than 100 comments.
Your next target is to reach 200 comments.

You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word STOP

To support your work, I also upvoted your post!

Check out our last posts:

Feedback from the July Hive Power Up Day
Hive Power Up Month Challenge - June 2023 Winners List
Be ready for the July edition of the Hive Power Up Month!
0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Thanks for your contribution to the STEMsocial community. Feel free to join us on discord to get to know the rest of us!

Please consider delegating to the @stemsocial account (85% of the curation rewards are returned).

Thanks for including @stemsocial as a beneficiary, which gives you stronger support. 
 

0
0
0.000
Reply