Car cells taping a cancer.
Mechanism allows cancer cells to escape the immune system. Interrupting this connection may lead to a new strategy of immunotherapy against cancer.
A mechanism that helps cancer cells circumvent the body’s defenses was recently identified, according to a study on July 24 in Nature Immunology.
The investigation of scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center in the United States describes how the interaction between a hormone and a specific immunity cell receiver weakens the response against tumors.
As myeloid cells – One of the first defense groups recruited to combat tumors – are eventually converted into cancer allies. Our study suggests that recipients in these myeloid cells are stimulated by this hormone and eventually suppress the immune system, ”explained Cheng Cheng“ Alec ”Zhang, co-leader of the study, quoted by.
Currently, therapies such as immune checkpoints inhibitors benefit only 20% to 30% of patients. It is a sign that cancer uses various strategies to escape immune control.
Zhang’s team had already identified a few years ago the inhibitory receptor Lilrb4 in myeloid cells, which, when activated, made them lose the ability to attack tumors. In the new study, scientists resorted to a genetic analysis to find proteins that interact with this receiver and highlighted the Hormona SCG2 As the main candidate.
Laboratory tests confirmed that SCG2 is directly linked to the LilrB4 receiver, triggering a signs cascade that neutralizes the action of myeloid cells and prevents T lymphocyte recruitment to attack the tumor.
In modified animal models to express the human version of Lilrb4, tumors originated by SCG2 producing cells have grown fast. However, when researchers blocked the receiver with an antibody or eliminated SCG2, they observed a significant reduction in tumor growth.
The results suggest that the interaction between Lilrb and SCG2 is a kind of “Secret Weapon”allowing it to grow without opposition of the immune system. Zhang stresses that interrupting this connection may lead to a new strategy of cancer immunotherapy. In contrast, increasing the action of SCG2 may be useful in treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in which myeloid cell activity is unregulated.
The team now plans to explore these two strands in future investigations.
