Method of recognizing cancer cells opens new possibilities for leukemia immunotherapy -
Singapore Immunology Network Scientists from A * STAR (SIGN) have discovered a new class of lipids in leukemic cells that are detected by a unique group of immune cells. Recognizing the lipids, immune cells stimulate an immune response to destroy the leukemia cells and suppress their growth. The newly identified mode of the recognition of cancer cells by the immune system opens up new possibilities for leukemia immunotherapy.
Leukemia is characterized by the accumulation of cancer cells from blood cells in the blood or bone marrow. Current leukemia treatments involve mainly chemotherapy to eradicate all cancer cells, followed by a stem cell transplant to restore healthy blood cells in patients.
In a recent study reported in the Journal of Experimental Medicine ( JEM ) online, team co-led by Dr. Lucia Mori and Professor Gennaro Libero has identified a new class of fat, methyl-lysophosphatidic acid (MLPA), which accumulates in leukemic cells. After that, the team identified a specific group of immune cells, described as specific T cells MLPA that are able to recognize the MLPA in leukemia cells. The detection triggers an immune response that activates T-cells to kill leukemia cells and cancer progression limits. The effectiveness of T cells in the destruction of leukemia cells was also demonstrated in a mouse model of human leukemia.
So far, only proteins in cancer cells have been known to activate T cells This study is a pioneer in the discovery of the MLPA, and specific T cells that can identify expressed lipids by cancer cells. Unlike proteins, lipids in cancer cells did not differ between individuals, indicating that the recognition of MLPA by T cells specific MLPA occurs in all leukemia patients. This new mode of recognition of cancer cells suggests that T cells can potentially be utilized for immunotherapy of leukemia that is effective in all patients.
"Identifying MLAA and its role in the activation of specific T cells is new. This knowledge not only highlights future studies of leukemia, but also full during the leukemia studies immunotherapy focusing on proteins in cancer cells, "said Dr. Lucie Mori, senior researcher at SIgN. "Current treatments run the risk of failure due to re-growth of residual leukemic cells that survive after a stem cell transplant. Immunotherapy T cells can be used as a complementary treatment more effective and safer therapeutic approach to leukemia . "
Professor Laurent Renia, Acting Executive Director of SIgN, said "at SIgN, we study how the human immune system protects us against infections naturally. we engage in specific research projects to promising disease that eventually pave the way for the development of treatments and medications that can better fight against these diseases a relevant example is the study; .. this mode of immune cell recognition leukemia is an insightful discovery that will create new opportunities for immunotherapy to improve the lives of leukemia patients "
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