Determine the mechanism by which skin cancer cells destroy the immune system

Scientists at the National Cancer Institute have identified a mechanism to help skin cancer cells destroy the immune system in mice, paving the way for making drugs to prevent skin cancer cells from developing in humans.

In their study, scientists found that UV rays, which are in the sun, can burn the skin, causing white blood cells to enter the skin of mice. The white blood cells then produce interferon-gamma, the protein that plays a major role in the development of skin cancer tumors. However, the introduction of IFN-gamma-capable antibodies has prevented the production of this protein, thereby reducing the risk of developing skin cancer because of UV rays.

Researchers' findings The US National Cancer Institute may reverse the previous assumptions about the link between interferon proteins and skin cancer. Accordingly, interferon is thought to work to prevent the formation of malignant tumors. In particular, interferon-alpha is widely used to treat skin cancer.

Skin cancer develops faster than any other form of cancer with a high mortality rate, because skin cancer cells are resistant to standard chemotherapy.