Scientists from New York University and Oxford University have found that specifically manipulating a specific PD-1 receptor on the surface of immune cells can increase the effectiveness of immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Research results published In the journal Science Immunology (SciImmunol).
Researchers explained that PD-1 is a membrane protein of the immunoglobulin superfamily. It plays a role in the cellular differentiation of immune cells and is expressed on the surface of immune competent T lymphocytes. The immune cell receptor PD-1 is noted to work best in the form of dimers, which are complex molecules made up of two simple molecules.
In laboratory studies, scientists have found that artificially stimulating PD-1 to form dimers increases its ability to suppress T-cell hyperactivity, which reduces the likelihood of autoimmune reactions (attacks of the immune system on healthy cells) developing. Inhibiting PD-1 dimerization increases the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy by making tumor cells more visible to immunological drug molecules.
Scientists hope that in the future, this discovery will contribute to the development of new methods to increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy. They stated that this mechanism for controlling T cell function also has significant potential in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Previously found A new way to treat depression in cancer.