Heat shock proteins refine the danger theory

Evidence is mounting to support the theory that 'danger' associated with ti ssue damage and stress is a level of control of antigen-specific immune res ponses. Heat shock proteins are emerging as key danger signals, but their i nfluence on immune responses is not a simple one, particularly in affecting antigen processing and presentation. Such influences may extend to numerou s immunological situations. Potential exists for heat shock proteins to be utilized in immune modulation, especially in cancer immunotherapy.