Protein that boosts body's immunity against cancer discovered
Key Points
Researchers at the University of Turku in Finland found TIMP-1, a protein traditionally known to prevent damage to the body's cells and tissues
TIMP-1 protein is produced by dendritic cells, which are responsible for initiating immune responses and boosting the immune system’s ability to recognise and destroy cancer cells
New Delhi, June 15: A team of researchers has discovered a protein which can also play a critical role in the immune system's defence against cancer.
Researchers at the University of Turku in Finland found TIMP-1, a protein traditionally known to prevent damage to the body's cells and tissues.
They discovered this protein also has a key role in the body's immunity against cancer, a finding which can improve the effectiveness of current cancer treatments.
TIMP-1 protein is produced by dendritic cells, which are responsible for initiating immune responses and boosting the immune system’s ability to recognise and destroy cancer cells.
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✨Researcher Carlos Rogerio Figueiredo from the University of Turku said for patients deficient in TIMP-1 expression, our discovery helps create rational therapeutic innovations.
Figueiredo added that the findings are also relevant for fighting infections by viruses and bacteria, as the process is part of a universal mechanism that fights microorganisms and cancer in a similar fashion.
The study was published in the journal Genes & Immunity, which is part of the Nature Portfolio series.
The study used samples from the Finnish Auria Biobank for clinical-oriented discoveries, which were further validated with the latest biochemical and immunological tools to propose a new molecular view of how the body fights cancer.
(IANS)
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