New way to shrink cancerous tumors through human immune cells

The findings are significant because many solid tumor cancers, such as lung cancer, are difficult to treat, the researchers said

In the new study, the scientists found that altering the metabolism of macrophages, thereby affecting their relationship with T cells, inhibited tumor growth

"The race to find a cure for cancer never stops," said Stanley Huang, assistant professor of immunology in the School of Medicine's Department of Pathology, who led the study

The research was recently published in the journal Nature Immunology

T cells and macrophages

In general, the body's immune response to disease involves mobilizing white blood cells to attack invaders such as bacteria and bacteria

Macrophages are specialized white blood cells that engulf invading cells to destroy pathogens

However, despite their typical protective role, macrophages can be taken up by tumor cells, promoting tumor growth

Targeting macrophages and PERK proteins

As tumors grow and macrophages interact with tumor cells, they produce a reactive protein that the study linked to tumor growth

Professor Huang said the team believes it may be possible to target macrophages and the protein to block tumor growth

"Knockout of PERK inhibits downstream metabolic signaling in tumor macrophages, resulting in more T cells to fight cancer cells," Huang said

Research findings and future steps

The findings suggest that the PERK protein is involved in several key pathways of macrophage metabolism -- when the gene is removed, the macrophages can no longer promote tumor growth; this means the tumors get smaller

Subsequent experiments further showed that combining the PERK inhibitor drug with an inhibitor called "anti-PD-1" could significantly reduce tumor growth

Next, the researchers hope to find a clinical drug that inhibits the PERK protein

"There are several strategies to enhance anti-tumor immunity, such as targeting or editing cellular metabolism," Huang said

Journal Reference :

1. Lydia N.