This discovery challenges the previous belief that killer cells attack cancer cells randomly.
In Short
- A peptide derived from the XPO1 protein attracts natural killer cells
- Patients with cancer who had both active killer cells and high levels of XPO1
- The team is working on developing the world’s first vaccine to fight cancer\
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered how the body’s immune system naturally targets and attacks cancer cells, potentially paving the way for new and less invasive cancer treatments.
The findings, published in Science Advances, reveal that natural killer cells from the immune system instinctively recognize and attack a protein called XPO1, which is known to drive cancer growth.
Led by Professor Salim Khakoo from the University of Southampton, the international team of scientists found that a peptide derived from the XPO1 protein attracts natural killer cells, triggering the body’s immune response against cancerous cells.
This discovery challenges the previous belief that killer cells attack cancer cells randomly.
“Our findings actually show how our body’s immune system recognises and attacks these cancer cells,” said Professor Khakoo. “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”.
This breakthrough could lead to new immunotherapy treatments for various types of cancer. (Photo: Getty)
The study also revealed that patients with cancer who had both active killer cells and high levels of XPO1 had significantly better survival rates. This correlation held true for various cancers, including those with typically poor prognoses such as liver cancer.
Professor Ralf Schittenhelm from Monash University, a co-author of the study, emphasised the potential impact of this discovery on immunotherapy.
“We hope it could lead to personalised cancer treatment, especially in cases where traditional therapies have failed. The potential to develop targeted therapies that utilise the body’s own immune system is incredibly exciting”.
Building on these findings, the scientific team at Southampton is now working on developing the world’s first vaccine that uses natural killer cells to fight cancer.
This approach could revolutionise cancer treatment by harnessing the body’s natural defenses more effectively and with fewer side effects than current therapies.
As research progresses, this breakthrough could lead to new immunotherapy treatments for various types of cancer, including head and neck, endometrial, bladder, and breast cancers.
The potential for less invasive and more targeted cancer therapies offers new hope for patients and represents a significant step forward in the field of oncology.
