Tumors use numerous mechanisms to escape detection and killing by the immune system. George Coukos and colleagues now report that cancer cells can also co-opt tumor-associated endothelial cells to prevent immune eradication. The researchers show that factors secreted by cancer cells induce increased expression of Fas ligand on the tumor endothelium, resulting in killing of CD8+ effector T cells and thereby facilitating immune escape and tumor growth.
- Gregory T Motz
- Stephen P Santoro
- George Coukos
