Presentation Abstract

Student's Name: Alyssa Webster '27

Co-registrant Names:

Type of Presentation: Poster Exhibit: One or more registrants displaying posters for discussion

Presentation Title: "Immune system recognition and evasion in breast cancer"

Abstract:

Breast cancer progression is strongly influenced by interactions between tumor cells and the host immune system. Although immune surveillance mechanisms are designed to detect and eliminate malignant cells, breast cancer cells frequently develop strategies to evade immune destruction. This poster examines the immunological mechanisms underlying tumor immune evasion in breast cancer, with a focus on programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, T-cell exhaustion, impaired antigen presentation, and immunosuppressive signaling within the tumor microenvironment. Upregulation of PD-L1 on tumor cells inhibits cytotoxic T-cell activity through engagement of PD-1 receptors, leading to functional exhaustion and reduced anti-tumor immunity. Additionally, alterations in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression impair antigen presentation, limiting effective immune recognition. The tumor microenvironment further contributes to immune suppression through regulatory immune cells and inhibitory cytokines that dampen effector responses. These evasion strategies not only facilitate tumor progression but also significantly influence the success of immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors. Understanding how breast cancer cells circumvent immune surveillance provides critical insight into therapeutic resistance and highlights opportunities to enhance treatment efficacy.

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