Scientists are discovering how the body’s killer cells attack cancer

Scientists are on the verge of a breakthrough in cancer after discovering how the immune system attacks cells damaged by the disease.

A new study has found that our natural killer cells, derived from the immune system that protect against disease and infection, naturally recognize and attack a protein that drives cancer. Experts say that by hijacking this protein, known as XPO1, they may be able to recruit more killer cells to destroy the disease.

Scientists at the University of Southampton, working with experts around the world, led the study and now believe it could provide new forms of non-destructive treatment. The findings were published in Advances in Science newspaper.

Hepatology’s lead author, Salim Khakoo, from Southampton, said it was previously believed that cancer cells attacked cancer cells randomly.

He added, “Our findings really show how our immune system recognizes and attacks these cancer cells. Killer cells are an emerging form of immunotherapy that shows great promise.

“They don’t attack healthy cells the way chemotherapy and other immunotherapies do, so they are safer and have fewer side effects than conventional cancer treatments.”

The XPO1 protein that scientists are investigating is important for normal cell function. However, in many chemicals, it is overactive and allows the killer cells to multiply unchecked. Southampton scientists found that a peptide-a short chain of amino acids-derived from the XPO1 protein attracted natural killer cells. They say this makes the body defend itself against cancer cells.

Prof Khakoo added: “Cancer patients who had both malignant cells and high levels of XPO1 had significantly better survival rates. of only 18 months.

“Also with liver cancer, the treatment of terminal cells in the future can be used to treat head and neck cancer, endometrial, bladder or breast cancer.”

Previous studies have linked natural killer cells to the body’s defense against cancer. But the latest study is the first of its kind to highlight an effective way to activate killer cells – targeting the XPO1 protein – to fight the disease.

Co-author Professor Ralf Schittenhelm, of Monash University in Australia, said the discovery could revolutionize immunotherapy.

“We hope that this can lead to individualized treatment for cancer, especially in cases where traditional drugs have failed. The opportunity to develop therapies that target the use of the immune system is very exciting.”

A Southampton science team is now working on the development of the world’s first vaccine that uses natural killer cells to fight cancer.