Scientists are working on a “breakthrough” cancer vaccine after discovering how the body’s immune system targets cells devastated by the disease. A study led by researchers from the University of Southampton found the body’s natural “killer” cells – from the immune system which protects against disease and infections – instinctively recognise and attack a protein that drives cancer growth. The scientists believe that by using this protein – known as XPO1 – they may be able to activate more killer cells to destroy the disease, paving the way for new and less invasive forms of cancer treatment.
Professor of hepatology Salim Khakoo, from Southampton and lead author of the study published in the Science Advances journal, said it was previously believed killer cells attack cancer cells in a random manner. He said: “Our findings actually show how our body’s immune system recognises 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.” He explained the XPO1 protein is essential for normal cell function, but in many cancers it becomes overactive and allows malignant cells to multiply unchecked. The scientists found a peptide – short chains of amino acids – derived from the XPO1 protein attracted the natural killer cells whic.