Detecting a protein that kills cancer cells

Australian scientists have discovered the mechanism of action of a protein that can destroy bad cells that cause cancer.

This finding opens hope for the production of new drugs that can kill cancer as well as diseases related to the immune system.

Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body. (Source: Internet)

The findings, published in the journal Nature Science, on November 1, describe the protein called perforin, the body's assassin, against the daughter cells by creating these inner cells. and kill them.

According to Professor James Whisstock, a member of the Australian Research Council at Monash University, this work is a very important discovery in the field of immunology.

Speaking to the Australian Journalism Association, Professor Whisstock said: " Perforin is our body's cleansing and destroying weapon. It breaks into cells that have been infected with viruses or cells that have turned into cells." cancer cells and allow toxic enzymes to penetrate to destroy cells from within . "

" Without perforin, our immune system cannot destroy these cells. Now that we know how it works, we can begin to control them against diseases. cancer, malaria and diabetes , "he asserted.

This 10-year study is a collaboration between Professor Whisstock and his team at Monash University, along with a team from the Peter McCallum Cancer Institute in Melbourne (Australia) and University scientists. Study Birkbeck in London (UK).