Scientists from Monash University (Australia) have discovered that a form of vitamin B6 that binds to the MR1 molecule can activate the body’s immune defenses. Research results It was published In the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
MR1 is a special molecule that helps the immune system recognize changes in the metabolism of cells and microorganisms. Scientists set out to find out exactly how MR1 directs itself according to cell types. The researchers used mass spectrometry to analyze small molecules bound to MR1, as well as a structural study of the interaction of MR1 with vitamin B6.
It turns out that the MR1-bound form of vitamin B6 can activate immune cells that respond to and attack the tumor. It also turns out that it is B6 molecules that help MR1, and therefore the immune system, detect cells with altered metabolism. These cells include cancer cells, also called tumor-reactive cells.
In the next stages of the study, the researchers plan to determine whether vitamin B6 is expressed at different levels in cancer cells compared to healthy cells and whether this marker can be used to fight cancer.
The study authors emphasized that an important aspect of this discovery is that MR1 varies very little between individuals; Only a few genetic variants are known in the human population. This feature may facilitate the development of universal treatment methods with wide application.
Previously has become knownHow aging increases cancer risk.
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Source: Gazeta
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