Alpha-fetoprotein

Alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) is the first tumor marker with clinical application value found by human. AFP has an ability to induce the immune escapes through inhibiting the function of dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and T lymphocytes. By in vitro modification, the immunogenicity and immune response of AFP could be enhanced. AFP-modified immune cell vaccine or peptide vaccine has displayed the specific antitumor immunity against AFP-positive tumor cells and laid a better foundation for the immunotherapy of liver cancer. Alpha-fetoprotein is found in monomeric as well as dimeric and trimeric forms, and binds copper, nickel, fatty acids and bilirubin. The level of alpha-fetoprotein in amniotic fluid is used to measure renal loss of protein to screen for spina bifida and anencephaly.