Scientists discover new anti-cancer cellular mechanism
Toronto: Scientists have identified a basic mechanism controlling cellular activity of the type that kills cancer cells and cells infected by hepatitis and herpes viruses. This discovery could impact the treatment of cancers and infectious diseases. Existing regimens frequently achieve only limited results with these types of diseases, which affect hundreds of thousands. Known as natural killer (NK) cells, they are produced by the immune system. Their deficiency is associated with a higher incidence of cancers and serious infections. "Our breakthrough," said André Veillette, who led the research team, "demonstrates that a molecule known as CRACC, which is present at the surface of NK cells, increases their killer function." Veillette is from the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) and an internationally known immunologist. Using mice, researchers have shown that CRACC greatly improves the animals' ability to eliminate cancer cells such as melanom...