ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN
SCIENCE
АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 3 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
637
ANTI-TUOR IMMUNITY. ONCOMARKERS
Raxmonov Shoxzodbek Oybek o'g'li
Assistant of the Departament of Pathology and Forensic Medicine,
Central Asian Medical University.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15072471
Abstract. Today, the main mechanisms of antitumor immunity, the div's natural defense
system against cancer cells, and immunological control processes are highlighted. Information is
provided about the main components of antitumor immunity - natural killer cells (NK cells),
cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and macrophages. The diagnostic and prognostic significance of
oncomarkers is also analyzed. The role of oncomarkers in the early detection of cancer and
assessment of the effectiveness of immunotherapy is considered. Based on research, innovative
approaches to enhancing antitumor immunity, including immunotherapy, vaccines, and gene
therapy, are discussed.
Keywords: Antitumor immunity, Natural killer cells (NK cells), T-lymphocytes,
Macrophages, Oncomarkers, CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen), CA-125, Immunotherapy,
Immunity.
ИММУНИТЕТ ПРОТИВ ОПУХОЛЕЙ. ОНКОМАРКЕРЫ
Аннотация. Сегодня освещены основные механизмы противоопухолевого
иммунитета, системы естественной защиты организма от раковых клеток и процессов
иммунологического контроля. Приведены сведения об основных компонентах
противоопухолевого иммунитета - естественных клетках-киллерах (NK-клетках),
цитотоксических Т-лимфоцитах и макрофагах. Также проанализировано диагностическое
и прогностическое значение онкомаркеров. Рассмотрена роль онкомаркеров в раннем
выявлении онкологических заболеваний и оценке эффективности иммунотерапии. На
основе
исследований
обсуждаются
инновационные
подходы
к
усилению
противоопухолевого иммунитета, включая иммунотерапию, вакцины и генную терапию.
Ключевые слова: противоопухолевый иммунитет, естественные киллеры (NK-
клетки), Т-лимфоциты, макрофаги, онкомаркеры, CEA (раково-эмбриональный антиген),
CA-125, иммунотерапия, иммунитет.
Introduction
In modern medicine, cancer is a global problem that threatens the lives of millions of people
every year. Studying the mechanisms of tumor development and finding effective methods of
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN
SCIENCE
АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 3 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
638
combating them is one of the main areas of scientific research. The natural defense system in the
human div, which is aimed at identifying and destroying cancer cells, plays an important role -
antitumor immunity. The immune system fights tumors with the help of various cells, cytokines
and receptors. Oncomarkers are of great importance in the early diagnosis of cancer. They are
biological molecules that indicate the presence of cancer cells in the div and can be detected in
blood, urine or other biological fluids. Oncomarkers are important not only for early detection of
the disease, but also for monitoring the treatment process and providing a prognosis. The main
mechanisms of antitumor immunity, the effect of immune cells on cancer cells, as well as the role
of oncomarkers in cancer diagnostics are analyzed. In addition, the effectiveness of
immunotherapy and other modern approaches against tumors is considered.
Literature review and method
Antitumor immunity consists of the div's natural defense mechanisms against cancer
cells, and various components of the immune system are actively involved in this. The immune
system tries to identify and destroy tumor cells, but in some cases, tumors can escape immune
control and develop.
Oncomarkers are special substances produced by cancer cells or the div, which are
detected in the blood and other fluids. They are used for early detection of cancer, monitoring the
dynamics of the disease and assessing the effectiveness of treatment. Each oncomarker is
associated with a specific type of tumor, and an increase in their level may indicate the presence
of pathological processes.
Antitumor Immunity
Antitumor immunity consists of the div's natural defense mechanisms aimed at
identifying and destroying tumor cells. The following components of the immune system are
involved in this process:
Natural killer (NK) cells belong to the div's innate immune system and have the ability
to directly destroy virus-infected and cancer cells. NK cells are constantly active in the div and
prevent the development of cancer by recognizing and destroying tumor cells.
- Tumor cell recognition - NK cells have special receptors on their surface that can
distinguish between normal and malignant cells. If a cell has specific markers that are trying to
hide from the immune system, NK cells will target it for attack.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN
SCIENCE
АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 3 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
639
- Cytotoxic release - NK cells release substances such as perforin and granzyme into tumor
cells, which penetrate their membrane and disrupt their internal structure, initiating the apoptotic
(programmed death) process.
- Cytokine action - NK cells produce interferons and other cytokines, which enhance the
immune response and mobilize other immune cells to fight the tumor.
Factors affecting the effectiveness of NK cells
- Stress and chronic diseases can reduce the activity of NK cells.
- Rational nutrition, physical activity and a healthy lifestyle increase the activity of NK
cells.
- Some types of tumors have mechanisms to suppress the immune system and can avoid
the attack of NK cells.
Increasing the activity of NK cells and their use in cancer therapy is one of the important
directions of current oncological research.
T-lymphocytes are the main cells of the immune system, participating in the formation of
a specific immune response to a tumor. They are formed in the bone marrow, then mature in the
thymus and are functionally specialized in different ways.
- Cytotoxic T-cells (CD8⁺) - directly destroy tumor cells, using substances that disrupt their
membrane (perforin, granzyme).
- Helper T-cells (CD4⁺) - enhance the immune response, transmit signals to other immune
cells and produce cytokines.
- Regulatory T-cells (Treg) – balance the immune response and prevent overactivity.
T-lymphocytes recognize antigens on the surface of tumor cells, form a specific response
to them, and mobilize other parts of the immune system to fight cancer. Tumor cells can sometimes
develop mechanisms to hide from the immune system or suppress the activity of T-lymphocytes,
which makes it necessary to use methods such as immunotherapy.
Macrophages are phagocytic cells of the immune system that play an important role in
destroying tumor cells and alerting the immune system. They are part of the innate immune system,
are formed in the bone marrow, and localize and function in various tissues.
Macrophages are divided into two main types in the tumor microenvironment:
- M1-macrophages – stimulate inflammatory processes, destroy tumor cells, and signal the
immune system about danger.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN
SCIENCE
АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 3 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
640
- M2 macrophages – on the contrary, can suppress the immune response and support tumor
development.
Macrophages engulf antigens, break them down and present them to T-lymphocytes
through special receptors. This process ensures the formation of a specific immune response to
tumor cells.
Cytokines are proteins produced by immune cells that are involved in controlling and
enhancing the immune response. They regulate inflammatory processes by providing signal
transmission between cells of the immune system.
- Interferons (IFN) – have the property of fighting viruses and limiting the growth of tumor
cells. They activate the immune system, stimulating natural killer cells and T-lymphocytes.
- Interleukins (IL) – participate in establishing communication between immune cells and
enhance or suppress the immune response. They regulate inflammatory processes and increase the
activity of immune cells.
Cytokines are also used in immunotherapy, stimulating the immune system to act more
effectively against tumor cells.
Oncomarkers
Oncomarkers are substances produced by tumor cells or the div in response to a tumor.
They are detected in blood, urine, and other biological fluids. Oncomarkers are used to
diagnose, predict, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
AFP is an oncomarker used to detect liver, ovarian, and testicular cancers. It is produced
naturally during pregnancy, but high levels in adults may indicate liver tumors (hepatocellular
carcinoma) and certain types of embryonal tumors. In addition, AFP levels may be increased in
diseases such as liver cirrhosis and hepatitis.
CEA is an oncomarker that is elevated in colon, stomach, lung, and breast cancers. It is
produced mainly during embryonic development, but after birth its levels drop to almost zero. In
adults, CEA levels can be elevated not only in cancer, but also in inflammatory bowel disease,
pancreatitis, and liver disease.
CA-125 is one of the main markers of ovarian cancer, which is mainly detected at high
levels in epithelial ovarian tumors. This marker is used to detect early stages of ovarian cancer and
monitor the dynamics of the disease. At the same time, CA-125 can also be increased in
endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pregnancy and inflammatory diseases.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN
SCIENCE
АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 3 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
641
CA 19-9 is an important oncomarker for pancreatic cancer, which can also be increased in
other types of tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. This marker is also observed in stomach,
gallbladder and liver cancer. However, high levels of CA 19-9 can also be noted in pancreatitis,
biliary tract diseases and liver cirrhosis, so it is not recommended to use it as a sole diagnostic tool.
PSA is a marker used to detect prostate cancer, produced by prostate gland cells. Its high
levels can be observed in diseases such as prostate cancer, prostate adenoma and prostatitis. PSA
levels are used to diagnose prostate cancer early, monitor the progression of the disease, and
evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
Conclusion
The div's antitumor immunity is a complex process aimed at recognizing and destroying
cancer cells. Natural killer cells, T-lymphocytes, macrophages and cytokines play an important
role in this process. Each component tries to eliminate tumor cells by forming an immune response
through its own mechanisms. However, tumor cells have strategies to evade immune control and
can develop by weakening the immune system or by pretending to be normal cells. Therefore,
stimulating immunity and using immunotherapy methods are one of the current directions in the
fight against cancer. Oncomarkers are an important tool for early detection of cancer, monitoring
the treatment process and assessing the likelihood of disease recurrence. Oncomarkers such as
alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA-125, CA 19-9 and prostate-
specific antigen (PSA) help in the diagnosis of various types of cancer. However, since their level
can increase not only in cancer, but also in other pathological conditions, it is not enough to rely
solely on the results of oncomarkers for making a final diagnosis. Therefore, to confirm the
diagnosis of cancer, a comprehensive assessment is required, combined with instrumental and
clinical examinations. Strengthening immunity, leading a healthy lifestyle, and undergoing regular
medical examinations are important for early detection and effective treatment of cancer. In-depth
study of immunological mechanisms and the development of new therapeutic methods will allow
achieving more effective results in the fight against cancer.
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ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN
SCIENCE
АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 3 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
642
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