Scientists have discovered a new regulator of the body's immune system

Recently, researchers from University of Turku discovered a new regulator of the body's immune system, which regulates the development of regulatory T cells in the body Regulatory T cells are important controllers of immune response Most regulatory T cells can promote immune response and enhance the ability of the body to destroy cancer cells, viruses and bacteria However, regulatory T cells in the body sometimes inhibit the ability of the immune system to attack cancer cells, thus promoting the growth and spread of cancer In these cases, inhibiting or blocking the activity of regulatory T cells may be very beneficial to the health of the body (http:// The researchers found that a protein called HIC1 (hypermethylated in cancer 1) may act as a key regulator of regulatory T cells, helping to control the expression of a large number of genes that promote the function of T cells Researchers also used whole genome technology to find that HIC1 can bind to specific sites in the nucleus, which often contain genetic mutations related to immune-mediated diseases The results of this study clarify the molecular mechanisms regulating T cell function and immune response in the body, which may provide new clues and hopes for the development of various new therapies to treat cancer and other diseases, the researchers said.