CANCER-KILLING T CELLS ‘SWARM’ TO TUMOURS, ATTRACTING OTHERS TO THE FIGHT

CANCER-KILLING T CELLS ‘SWARM’ TO TUMOURS, ATTRACTING OTHERS TO THE FIGHT

Immune T cells that kill cancer swarm to tumours by following a chemical gradient left by other T cells, a pre-clinical study by UNSW Sydney medical researchers has shown.

When immune system T cells find and recognise a target, they release chemicals to attract more T cells which then swarm to help subdue the threat, shows a new study in cultured mouse and human cells and animal models published today in eLife.

The discovery of this swarming behaviour, and the chemical attractants that immune cells use to direct swarms towards tumours, could down the track help scientists develop new cancer therapies that boost the immune system. This is particularly important for solid tumours, which so far have been less responsive to current immunotherapies than cancers affecting blood cells.

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    • Category: News
    • Date: October 13, 2020
    • Added By: ImagingCoE

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