Scientists at the University of Turku in Finland have discovered a new role for a protein that already exists. They found that TIMP-1, a protein that has always been known for protecting the body’s cells and tissues from damage, also plays a crucial part in the immune system’s fight against cancer. The results of this study could enhance the effectiveness of current cancer immunotherapies.The results of the research have the potential to enhance the efficacy of existing cancer immunotherapies.
Dendritic cells produce the TIMP-1 protein, which plays a key role in initiating immune responses and enhancing the immune system’s ability to identify and eliminate cancer cells. The protein boosts antitumor immunity by stimulating itself and activating nearby immune cells. Therefore, increasing the expression of TIMP-1 or targeting its suppressors in tumors with weak immune responses could potentially improve the effectiveness of current cancer immunotherapies.
For patients, Carlos Rogerio Figueiredo, a Docent and InFLAMES researcher at the University of Turku, stated that the discovery of IMP-1 expression will aid in the development of rational therapeutic innovations. He also mentioned that these findings have implications for combating viral and bacterial infections, as the process is part of a universal mechanism that fights microorganisms and cancer in a similar manner. The study utilized samples from the Finnish Auria Biobank for clinical-oriented discoveries and these were further validated with the latest biochemical and immunological tools to propose a new molecular perspective on the body’s fight against cancer. Figueiredo emphasized that this discovery is a significant step forward.Acknowledgements go to the patients as well as Oncologist Maria Sundvall and Pathologist Eva-Maria Birkman from Turku University Hospital for their significant contributions to this project.
“The published research demonstrates the practical application of the reverse translational method. Traditional translational research usually begins with basic laboratory discoveries, which are then tested on patients in clinical trials. The reverse translational approach, however, starts with real-world data from patient samples to guide focused laboratory studies, thereby increasing the likelihood of success when applied to patients,” explains Figueiredo.
FiguEiredo leads the Medical Immuno-Oncology Research Group (MIORG) at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Turku, which is connected to the Turku Bioscience Centre and receives support from the Research Council of Finland, InFLAMES Flagship, the Sigrid Juselius Foundation, and the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation.
The study’s results were featured in the journal Genes & Immunity, which is part of the Nature Portfolio series.
InFLAMES Flagship is a collaborative effort between the University of Turku and Ã…bo Akademi University in Finland. The Flagship’s objective is to merge immunological and immunology-related research. rnrnInFLAMES is involved in various activities to create and utilize new tools for personalized medicine. It is a part of the Research Council of Finland’s Flagship Programme.
