Hormesis in cancer immunology: Does the quantity of an immune reactant matter?

Oncoimmunology. 2014 Jun 25:3:e29312. doi: 10.4161/onci.29312. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

We recently reported that tumor-directed antibodies could either stimulate, or inhibit, tumor progression, dependent upon the dosage used. The narrow range over which this immune response curve (IRC) occurs is surprising. Here we discuss features of the IRC, the mechanisms identified so far, and the potential clinical implications.

Keywords: antibodies; dose response; hormesis; immune cell polarization; immune response curve; immunotherapy.