BPoD has moved!

BPoD has recently changed our domain name - we can now be found at bpod.org.uk

Please update your bookmarks!

Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

Immune Investigations

Immune system plays a part in shaping the evolution of tumours and driving selection of cells that evade detection

06 November 2018

Immune Investigations

This is a specimen of surgically removed tumour, which had grown in a patient’s liver after metastasis from an original colorectal cancer site. The red and green colours identify an assortment of immune cells that have infiltrated the tumescent mass. Scientists are examining the way in which a person’s immune system interacts with tumours in an attempt to understand how it’s possible that certain cells escape immune detection and continue to grow, spread and colonise in a seemingly unchecked manner. New research indicates that in fact the immune system itself plays a part in shaping the evolution of tumours and driving selection of such evasive cells. With a fuller understanding of tumour-immune system interactions, and of how immune-evading metastatic cells develop, researchers hope to create better targeted therapies capable of tracking down and eliminating these metastatic menaces.

Written by Ruth Williams

Published in Cell, October 2018

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.