A team of scientists and physicians have discovered that the immune checkpoint protein VISTA can directly turn off tumor-fighting T-cells during immunotherapy and resist treatment. The study explains that VISTA can bind to a protein called LRIG1 in T cells, which was previously only thought to promote bone and fat development.
The protein VISTA combines with a newly discovered inhibitory receptor LRIG1 to directly block T cells from working during immunotherapy. When VISTA binds to LRIG1, the researchers found, LRIG1 sends signals that suppress T cell replication, survival and function. This interaction can happen between molecules on tumor cells and on T cells, molecules on healthy cells and T cells and even between molecules on the same T cell.
The findings from this study follow another discovery from the laboratory of Dr. Wang, Translational Hematology and Oncology that showed VISTA indirectly suppresses our immune systems by promoting cells called myeloid-derived suppressor cells that are well known to block T-cell function. "Studying the molecular aspect of how LRIG1 functions as VISTA's receptor on T cells can provide insights on how to successfully block VISTA and improve the clinical outcomes of the patients who don't respond to existing immune therapies" says lead first author Hieu Minh Ta, PhD.
The results were striking. Patients who had been more resistant to immunotherapy had higher levels of LRIG1 in their tumor-fighting T cells.
Lymphoma Brain Tumor Cancer Lung Cancer Skin Cancer Stem Cells Leukemia
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Research Associate (part-time) / Ph.D. candidate in Surface Science - Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen (DE) job with Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-UniversitätThe University of Bonn is an international research university with a wide education and research profile.
Read more »
Assistant Scientist/Professor in Rare Disease Research, Sanford Research - Sioux Falls, South Dakota job with Sanford ResearchAssistant Scientist/Professor in Rare Disease Research, Sanford Research Sanford Research invites applications for full-time faculty at the rank of Assistant Scientist within Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, SD, with commensurate rank of Assistant Professor at the Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota.
Read more »
Those delicious smells may be impacting air qualityOceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) - or NOAA Research - provides the research foundation for understanding the complex systems that support our planet.
Read more »
Your Body's Cells Could Age Years in a Single Day, Challenging Past ResearchThe Best in Science News and Amazing Breakthroughs
Read more »
Research presents 2D dipole orientation method for mapping cellsDue to the high transparency of cells, it is very difficult to observe the organelles within them. Biologists can label specific organelles for observation through fluorescence staining. This is somewhat analogous to being in an environment without light where everyone is dressed entirely in black, making it difficult to find your friends.
Read more »
Challenging Biologists’ Understanding: New Research Suggests Cells Possess Secret Communication SystemScience, Space and Technology News 2024
Read more »