Tumor immunity as autoimmunity: tumor antigens include normal self proteins which stimulate anergic peripheral T cells.

Oncogenic transformation is often accompanied by a significant overproduction of otherwise normal cellular proteins. Because of the low expression of such self components during thymic development, T cells specific for these antigens can escape deletion and progress to the periphery. In this viewpoint, Giorgio Parmiani discusses the concept that these T cells can be harnessed to provide an effective anti-tumor response.