Scientists found new ways to treat cancer

Scientists from the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) in the United States have discovered new ways to treat cancer. According to them, the identified checkpoint in T-cells responsible for immune defense has potential, journal Cancer Discovery writes.

During the study on mice, experts found that as a result of inhibition (suppression of activity) of a special protein of tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B in T-cells, the ability of immune defense is enhanced, moreover, it can even stop the development of tumors. Experiments were conducted using the drug by injection, which has previously proven safe and effective in humans.

T cells are an important part of the body's immune system, as they are capable of destroying foreign pathogens like viruses and cancer cells. However, it turned out that when there is an excess of identified PTP1B proteins, T-cells have a decreased ability to attack tumor cells and fight cancer. The specialists labeled this phenomenon as an intracellular brake, or checkpoint.

According to the scientists, the results of this study could form the basis for future clinical trials of drugs or new cancer therapies.

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