Scientists are on the verge of a cancer breakthrough after working out how the body's immune system targets cells devastated by the disease. A new study has discovered that our natural killer cells, from the immune system which protect against disease and infections, instinctively recognize and attack a protein that drives cancer growth. The experts say that by hijacking this protein, known as XPO1, they may be able to activate more killer cells to destroy the disease.
Scientists from the University of Southampton, working with experts worldwide, led the study and now believe it could offer new and less invasive forms of treatments. The findings have been published in the Science Advances journal. Lead author Professor of Hepatology Salim Khakoo, from Southampton, said it was previously believed that killer cells attack cancer cells in a random manner.
Our findings actually show how our body's immune system recognizes and attacks these cancer cells. Killer cells are an emerging form of immunotherapy that shows huge promise. They don't attack healthy tissue in the way chemotherapy and other immunotherapies do, so are safer and have less side-effects than traditional forms of cancer treatment.
" Salim Khakoo, Professor of Hepatology, University of Southampton The XPO1 protein examined by the scientists is essential for normal cell function. However, in many cancers, it becomes overactive and allows malignant cells to multiply unchecked. Related Stories Experts release revised lu.