Immunobiology of malignant mesothelioma

Abstract

Abstract Exactly how malignant mesothelioma (MM) tumours arise, both at the molecular level, as a result of genetic mutation(s), and subsequently at the cellular level, remains poorly defined. The lengthy period between asbestos exposure and the manifestation of obvious disease makes tracking immune responses to developing MM tumours difficult in humans. Furthermore, the lack of obvious early symptoms means that MM remains undetectable until characteristic clinical symptoms manifest; even then, rigorous histopathological and/or cytopathological examination is required for confirmation of disease. As a result, MM is diagnosed late in disease progression and is associated with a rapid decline in health. Despite these limitations, a number of experimental approaches have been utilized to characterize MM-specific and non-specific immune responses to the progressing disease. In this chapter we briefly review the cell types involved in the innate and adaptive immune systems, current thinking regarding the interplay between these cells, and their immunobiological roles during the development of MM.