Fig. 1

Epitope mimicry can evoke an effective anti-tumor autoimmunity. The activation of high-affinity T- and B-lymphocyte precursors with microbial or xenogeneic antigens may cross react with host tissue constituents and eventually break down self-tolerance to tumor antigens. In contrast, the activation of low-affinity T- and B-lymphocyte precursors by tumor antigens may not be sufficient to mount a protective immunity. In addition, tumors can induce tolerance against neoantigens acquired during transformation. (for more details, see the text).