The phenomena associated with the rejection of malignant and non-malignant homografts, are reviewed. It appears that (large) malignant homografts are not subject to immune attack by mononuclear cells whereas benign grafts and organ transplants are destroyed by infiltrating lymphoid cells. Tumour produces a soluble substance which inhibits the migration of leucocytes and retards the rejection of skin homografts. It is suggested that the paralysis of lymphocyte locomotion is the ultimate cause for the retention of malignant homografts and for the generalized, nonspecific, immunological unresponsiveness in the tumour-bearing host. As to the nature of the paralyzing agent produced by tumour, it is believed that it is a prostaglandin antagonist. The prostaglandins are ubiquitous lipidic hormones which promote the diapedesis and migration of leucocytes and enhance the delayed hypersensitivity response. Inactivation of prostaglandin would reverse these processes and result in a state of anergy as observed in malignant disease. The therapeutic implications of this concept are discussed.
📖 افتح في inklap 🔗 DOI 📮 اطلب بحثاً