Modulation of immune responses by the tumor suppressor p53

The commonly held view of the tumor suppressor p53 as a regulator of cell proliferation, apoptosis and senescence has expanded greatly in recent years to cover many biological processes as well as external and internal stress responses. Since the discovery over 30 years ago of p53 as a cellular protein that coprecipitates with the large T antigen of Simian Virus SV40, there has been an intertwining of p53 activities with immunerelated processes, especially as relates to cancer. A variety of interactions between the p53 and the immune stress systems are currently being addressed that suggest opportunities to utilize p53 in modulating immunological activities. Here, we discuss those interactions along with implications for human disease.