Figure 3.

Functions of AspH in the immune system. AspH-specific antigens are taken up by antigen-presenting cells (such as DCs) and migrate from the tumor to draining lymph nodes. During this period, AspH antigens are processed into small peptides, which are then presented on the surface of DCs to stimulate specific CD4⁺ T-cell and CTL responses. In addition, CD4⁺ T cells can stimulate CTL activation by secreting IFN-γ. Subsequently, the DCs residing in the tumor restimulate the antigen-specific CTLs, which recognize and kill the tumor cells carrying the antigen. AspH, aspartate β-hydroxylase; Ag, antigen; DC, dendritic cell; CTL, cytotoxic lymphocyte.