The Multifaceted Immune System

Abstract

Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com The inflammation created by the streptococcus infection attracts and stimulates leucocytes in the tumor microenvironment, which ultimately leads to tumor elimination [5,6]. Recently, it has been demonstrated that malignant cells could build upon inflammation and detour it to their own profit, in reprogramming T helpers lymphocytes on an immunosuppressive mode by interacting with checkpoint proteins pathways like PD1/PD-L1 [7]. Therefore tumor microenvironment elements have been more closely investigated especially pro-inflammatory cytokines. Among them, the interleukin 17 family members, that include IL-17A secreted by Th17 lymphocytes, have shown interesting properties though conflicting [8]. While some authors have reported anti-tumor qualities, other teams like ours have observed proliferation, invasion and chemotherapy resistance enhancing effects [9-11]. Knowledge in the fields of immunology is rapidly improving, particularly in oncology, but not only, and almost every medical specialty has benefited of these discoveries in the past 20 years. In their quest for progress, physicians and researchers must remember that the immune system is multifaceted, having positive effects and their opposite at the same time, balanced by complex mechanisms. That is why advances in immunology can only be reached with hard work, perseverance, and an open mind.