A way to make "tired" immune cells fight cancer has been found

Breakthrough in oncology: scientists have uncovered the "secret saboteur" of the immune system in the fight against cancer. Researchers at the Van Andel Institute have identified the PTGIR molecule, which significantly weakens the work of T cells against tumors. The revolutionary discovery has been published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Immunology.

T cells, which are key fighters of the immune system, are designed to detect and destroy malignant cells in the body. However, in the long "war" with the tumor, they gradually lose their fighting capacity. Scientists have discovered that the PTGIR receptor plays the role of a "saboteur" in this process: when activated, T cells significantly reduce the production of anti-tumor substances and lose their effectiveness.

The peculiarity of PTGIR lies in the mechanism of its activation. Unlike other known immune checkpoints that work based on protein interactions, this receptor is triggered by a lipid molecule - prostacyclin. This fat-like signal is abundantly present in the tumor microenvironment, which makes PTGIR especially active precisely where its influence is most destructive.

Russell Jones, who led the study, reveals details of the discovered mechanism: behind the activation of PTGIR is the NRF2 protein, which effectively blocks the work of the immune system, preventing T cells from attacking the tumor. Blocking this mechanism can "awaken" the immune response and direct it to fight malignant cells.

Michael Dahabi, the first author of the scientific paper, emphasizes the revolutionary potential of the discovery for the development of cancer immunotherapy. The new approach could be a salvation for patients whose tumors do not respond to existing treatment methods. Scientists suggest that PTGIR-blocking drugs could form a new class of anti-tumor agents or enhance the effectiveness of combination therapy.