Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that the core pathways regulating pluripotency in embryonal stem cells bear considerable overlap with oncogenesis. Here, we discuss recent insights into the capacity of the human immune system to target some of the key pluripotency-associated genes. Immunity to these genes is also induced in humans in the context of chemotherapy-induced cell death in patients with germ cell tumors. Immunologic targeting of pathways associated with stemness has implications for both immune regulation of tumor growth as well as emerging regenerative therapies with embryonal stem cells.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
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Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
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Cell Proliferation / drug effects
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Drug Delivery Systems / trends
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Humans
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Immunity / drug effects
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Neoplasms / drug therapy
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Neoplasms / genetics*
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Neoplasms / immunology*
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Octamer Transcription Factor-3 / genetics
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Octamer Transcription Factor-3 / metabolism
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SOXB1 Transcription Factors / genetics
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SOXB1 Transcription Factors / metabolism
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
Substances
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Antineoplastic Agents
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Octamer Transcription Factor-3
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POU5F1 protein, human
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SOX2 protein, human
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SOXB1 Transcription Factors