Abstract: Escape from anti-tumor immunity is critical for tumor survival and progression. Tumor cells can suppress the anti-tumor immune response via recruitment of various immune cell populations or expression of inhibitory molecular factors. Esophageal cancer is a deadly disease, ranking the sixth among all cancers in mortality. Despite advances in diagnosis and therapy, esophageal cancer still has a poor prognosis. Investigation of the immune escape mechanism can provide new insights for the treatment of esophageal cancer. This article provides an overview of the mechanism of tumor immune escape as well as research progress in esophageal cancer.