In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS) and their U.S. counterparts have unveiled a promising antibody-based treatment designed to empower the body's immune system to aggressively target and inhibit the spread of cancer cells.
The team focused on a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer known as triple-negative breast cancer. This variant has been notorious for its ability to manipulate nearby immune cells, forming \"molecular bridges\" that effectively mute the immune response against tumors. These bridges are facilitated by high levels of the protein CD84, which, although expressed minimally by the cancer cells themselves, are produced in abundance by adjacent immune cells under the cancer's influence.
Through their innovative approach, the researchers introduced an antibody treatment that disrupts the formation of these molecular bridges. In mouse models, this treatment restored the immune system's capacity to mount a strong offensive against cancer cells, significantly slowing tumor growth and, in some instances, achieving complete recovery. Notably, the antibody specifically targets cells with elevated CD84 levels, ensuring that healthy immune cells remain unaffected.
The study also highlighted a grim correlation between high CD84 levels in tumors and reduced patient survival times. Further experiments with genetically modified mice lacking CD84 showed markedly smaller tumor growth, underscoring the protein's role in suppressing T cell activity within the tumor environment.
This innovative treatment strategy shifts the focus from targeting cancer cells directly to modifying the tumor microenvironment, potentially paving the way for therapies applicable to various cancer types. By enhancing the body's natural immune defenses, this antibody treatment represents a significant leap forward in the fight against cancer.
Reference(s):
New antibody treatment boosts immune response against tumors: study
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