In favor of immunotherapy
Aguilar Mézquita, J.E.
Revista Alergia Organo Oficial de la Sociedad Mexicana de Alergia e Inmunlogia 38(3): 79-84
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0363-7913 PMID: 1798897 Document Number: 381408
Metastasis, the major cause of cancer deaths, is represented by a complex, multistep cascade of events characterized by the interaction between neoplastic cells and host tissue elements (cells and extracellular matrix components). These interactions are mediated by specific receptors; among them are members of a growing family of heterodimeric cell surface glycoproteins, called integrins. The role of integrins along tumor progression key steps, as well as their value as diagnostic and prognostic markers are discussed herein. Emphasis on the nature of integrin-ligand interaction is given; in particular, concerning the role of carbohydrate moieties on the generation of diversity in integrin specificity and varying affinity states.