Researchers are making significant strides in understanding how the immune system confronts cancer-stricken cells, paving the way for possible breakthroughs.
A recent study has revealed that natural killer (NK) cells, part of our immune defense against diseases and infections, have an innate ability to detect and attack a protein that promotes cancer growth.
The researchers suggest that by targeting this protein, named XPO1, they could potentially mobilize more NK cells to eliminate cancer cells.
A team of scientists from the University of Southampton, collaborating with experts globally, conducted the study and now see potential for new, less invasive treatment options.
The research results have been published in the Science Advances journal.
Professor Salim Khakoo, a Hepatology expert from Southampton and the study’s lead author, mentioned that it was previously thought that NK cells randomly attacked cancer cells.
He explained, “Our research shows the specific mechanisms by which the immune system identifies and combats these cancer cells.”
“Killer cells represent a promising new area of immunotherapy that could revolutionize cancer treatment.”
“Unlike chemotherapy and other types of immunotherapy, they do not harm healthy tissue, making them safer with fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments.”
The XPO1 protein that the researchers examined plays a crucial role in standard cell function.
However, it becomes excessively active in several cancers, enabling malignant cells to proliferate without control.
The team from Southampton discovered that a peptide—a short chain of amino acids—derived from the XPO1 protein effectively draws in natural killer cells.
This interaction, they believe, activates the immune response against cancerous cells.
Professor Khakoo remarked, “Cancer patients with both active killer cells and elevated levels of XPO1 demonstrated significantly improved survival rates.”
“This is evident across various cancers, including those with notoriously low survival rates, such as liver cancer, which has a typical average survival span of just 18 months.”
“In addition to liver cancer, future NK cell therapies may also treat head and neck cancers, endometrial, bladder, or breast cancers.”
Earlier research has associated natural killer cells with cancer defense mechanisms.
However, this latest study is the first to propose a practical approach to activating NK cells by targeting the XPO1 protein to combat the disease.
Co-author Professor Ralf Schittenhelm from Monash University in Australia noted that this discovery has the potential to transform immunotherapy.
“We aim for it to lead to personalized cancer treatments, particularly in cases where existing therapies have proved ineffective.”
The opportunity to create targeted therapies utilizing the immune system is tremendously promising.”
The research team at Southampton is now focused on developing the world’s first vaccine that harnesses natural killer cells to battle cancer.
