Scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, USA, have recently discovered how tumors can neutralize the immune system’s ability to eliminate cancer cells.
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| Cancer cells produce many proteins (Photo: BBC) |
They found that in the later stages, cancer cells produce a type of protein that can paralyze the beneficial effects of the immune system, which is designed to protect the body.
Instead of activating the immune system to attack the “enemy,” the proteins secreted by cancer cells inhibit the immune system’s ability to target the tumor.
Tumors produce various abnormal cell types, each playing different roles in the development process. Some types accelerate cancer cell growth, while others neutralize the effects of the immune system.
The Seattle research team discovered a protein that alters the function of a beneficial immune cell known as T helper cells. In the early stages of cancer, T cells help destroy cancerous agents.
Due to the influence of permeable substances released by the protein, T cells become distorted and act as barriers to prevent the immune system from eliminating the adversary.
Researchers do not yet fully understand the reasons behind this transformation. However, Professor Thomas Spies, head of the research team, stated that they are quickly working to identify a protein capable of blocking tumors from producing permeable substances and activating the immune system’s anti-tumor functions.
KHANG LINH
