Breakthrough Discovery: Rewiring Immune Cells to Halt Cancer Spread

A recent study reveals that a chemical known as PAF can rewire immune cells to promote cancer. This discovery opens up new research avenues for potential treatments targeting these 'pro-tumor' immune cells, potentially impacting multiple cancer types.

A groundbreaking study suggests that immune cells can be rewired from defenders to facilitators of cancer spread. The discovery highlights a key chemical, PAF, that transforms these cells, marking a significant step in cancer research.

According to Minsoo Kim, PhD, research leader at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, understanding the behavior of these 'pro-tumor' cells could lead to treatments that inhibit their harmful effects. The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Kim's team focused on the interactions within the tumor environment and identified PAF as a crucial molecule in the detrimental transformation of immune cells. Remarkably, multiple cancers rely on PAF signals, suggesting that targeting PAF could have widespread therapeutic potential.

In particular, the team examined pancreatic cancer, known for its low survival rate and complex treatment challenges. They utilized advanced 3D imaging to study immune cell behavior in various cancers, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, and lung cancer. Ankit Dahal, PhD, co-authored the journal article with Kim, contributing to this significant advancement in cancer research.

(With inputs from agencies.)