Scientists are working hard to create a revolution in cancer treatment after this discovery. (Artwork. Source: Internet).
The new study, published in the journal Science on November 4, found a type of glial cell found in many cancers, abbreviated as FAP , which reduces the effect of vaccines and other treatments based on. on the immune system. Destroying it will allow the immune system to control the tumor.
Immunology professor Douglas Fearonheila said: ' Finding cells in the cancer matrix that suppresses the immune system is an important step. Researching how this cell works will contribute to improving immune therapy . '
Scientists have found at least one immunosuppressive component in stromal cells. The cells they studied are characterized by a single protein involved in wound healing - FAP, found in many types of cancer such as breast and colorectal cancer.
To determine how FAP interferes with tumors, researchers used genetically engineered mouse models to destroy FAP-containing cells. When FAP was destroyed in lung cancer tumors in mice, the tumor quickly destroyed. Professor Fearon looks forward to working with Cambridge scientists to study the effects of FAP in mice and examine the effect of FAP on cells in human tumors.
Professor Fearon said: ' This study is conducted in mice, although there are many similarities between the immune system of mice and humans, but we will not know the relevance of these findings to humans until we have can disrupt the function of FAP-buffered cell tumors in cancer patients '.