We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Protein Fragment Promotes Anti-Cancer Response

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 22 May 2017
Print article
Image: When free C3d vaccine was added to a tumor, the cancer cells began to die (right). Tumor cells not given the vaccine continued to grow (Photo courtesy of the University of Michigan).
Image: When free C3d vaccine was added to a tumor, the cancer cells began to die (right). Tumor cells not given the vaccine continued to grow (Photo courtesy of the University of Michigan).
Free C3d protein, a fragment of the third component of complement, has been found to prevent cancer cells from avoiding the body's immune response and has potential to be developed into a chemotherapeutic agent for cancer treatment.

Tumors escape the immune system by engaging T- cell checkpoint regulators and expanding regulatory T-cells (Tregs), among other mechanisms. The molecular factors that control these mechanisms are unknown.

Investigators at the University of Michigan reported in the May 4, 2017, online edition of the Journal of Clinical Investigation Insight that free C3d - inside tumor cells or associated with irradiated tumor cells and unattached to antigen - recruited, accelerated, and amplified antitumor T-cell responses, allowing the immune system to reverse or even to prevent tumor growth. These findings were obtained from studies on mice melanoma and lymphoma models.

C3d enhanced antitumor immunity independently of B-cells, NK cells, or antibodies, but it did so by increasing tumor infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes, by depleting Tregs, and by suppressing expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) by T-cells. These properties of C3d appeared to be specific for the tumor and dependent on complement receptor II, and they incurred no obvious systemic toxicity.

"Our cancer therapy blocks tumor-induced immunosuppression. Because it is natural, it does not have adverse effects as far as we know," said senior author Dr. Marilia Cascalho, associate professor of surgery, microbiology, and immunology at the University of Michigan. "The most recent success in cancer immunotherapy is with agents that block the inhibition of the immune system. Even though there has been success with immunotherapy, the problem is that immunotherapy is not specific. The drugs work everywhere, so there are many secondary effects. Our cancer therapy takes an entirely new path to blocking tumor-induced immunosuppression. It is different because when free C3d was injected into cancer cells in the research, it did not appear to have side effects."

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
Gold Member
Xylazine Immunoassay Test
Xylazine ELISA

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.