β-catenin-mediated inhibition of cross-priming: A new mechanism for tumors to evade immunosurveillance

Cross-priming plays a major role in generating CD8(+) T cell-dependent antitumor immunity through cross-presentation. However, the cross-presentation of tumor-associated antigens by dendritic cells often promotes tolerance rather than CD8(+) T-cell immunity. We have now identified a β-catenin-dependent pathway of cross-priming inhibition as a novel and potentially broad mechanism whereby neoplastic cells promote immunosuppression.