Researchers have activated natural killer cells in the fight against cancer

The body's own cells are modified, destroying more effective cancer cells
Our bodies are constantly fighting the development of cells that could eventually lead to tumors. But if this process is disturbed, cancer can develop freely in us. Researchers are now trying to figure out what options we have for activating our so-called natural killer cells. These could then destroy all dissimilar cells in our body. Thus, we would be protected from the dangerous consequences of cancer.

Cancer is a widespread disease today. Many forms of cancer have fatal consequences, so it is not surprising that researchers are looking for ways to successfully fight cancer. The scientists from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, in collaboration with physicians from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, have discovered that there are so-called naturally occurring killer cells in humans. These destroy mutated and unnatural cells and thus protect against cancer. The authors published the results of their research in the journal Nature Immunology.

Physicians now discovered a protein that inhibits so-called killer cells in the body's activity. When this "brake" is removed, the cells fight cancer even more effectively. (Image: psdesign1 / fotolia.com)

NK cells localize aberrant potentially dangerous cells
Natural killer cells (NK cells) exist to identify and then destroy all aberrant cells in our body before these cells develop into tumors or before an infection can spread. Sandra E. Nicholson. Such cells are an important part of our immune system because they localize the other cells that could be a health hazard. This happens, for example, when cells are infected with viruses or develop into a cancer cell, says the doctor. However, it is known that abnormal cells sometimes escape the immune system and then develop into cancer, the researchers add.

Physicians modify NK cells to make them even more effective
The researchers identified a type of protein-based brake in natural killer cells that controls their abilities and allows them to destroy target tumor cells. In an experimental model, physicians removed this brake. Thus, the so-called NK cells were better able to protect the body against metastatic melanomas. Natural killer cells require a growth factor called interleukin 15 (IL15) to activate, explain the physicians. An inhibitor protein within natural killer cells limits the ability of NK cells to respond to IL15, killing dangerous cancer cells, the experts add.

Protein inhibits the response of Nk cells
By first identifying how this protein inhibits NK cell responses, physicians now hope to develop a drug that will enhance the response of NK cells to this growth factor. Thus, cancer patients with their own immune system could fight the cancer, the scientists explain. It's about understanding how NK cells in individual patients can be activated to strengthen the affected person's immune system. Huntington. We are confident that our research will lead to new immunotherapies that activate the body's own natural killer cells and then maintain them in a very active state, effectively combating more targeted cancer, adds the physician. (As)