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MR1 molecule and vitamin B6 may open new avenues for cancer immunotherapy
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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In a study published in the journal PNAS, scientists from the Monash University Biomedical Discovery Institute found that vitamin B6 molecules linked to a molecule called MR1 play a role in activating immune cells that respond to tumours. This discovery could shed light on the mechanisms by which the immune system distinguishes between cancerous and healthy cells.
What is MR1 and how does it work?
MR1 is a specialized cell surface molecule that can detect small metabolite molecules originating from cellular and microbial sources. However, until now it has remained unclear how broadly MR1 can “sense” these metabolites.
The study found that vitamin B6 molecules, represented by MR1, are capable of activating immune cells that target cancer cells.
"Our results suggest that vitamin B6 bound to MR1 may serve as a signal to the immune system to help detect changes in cellular metabolism characteristic of cancer cells," said Dr Patricia T. Illing, from the Monash University Biomedical Discovery Institute.
Main results of the study
The study, conducted in collaboration with scientists from the University of Melbourne, included:
- Mass spectrometric analysis of MR1-related molecules to identify key metabolites.
- Structural resolution of interactions between MR1 and vitamin B6.
- Immunological tests demonstrating how MR1 with vitamin B6 activates anti-tumor immune cells.
Potential implications for therapy
Although it is not yet clear whether the vitamin B6 molecule can be used in therapy, understanding the mechanisms of the MR1-mediated immune response may open new avenues for cancer treatment.
"MR1 has minimal genetic variation among people, making it possible to create universal therapeutic approaches," Dr. Illing added.
Next steps
- Confirmation that vitamin B6 and related molecules are expressed by MR1 on cancer cells at altered levels compared to healthy cells.
- Search for other MR1-related metabolites that may help distinguish between cancer and healthy cells.
This discovery highlights the importance of studying the molecular mechanisms of immunity to develop more accurate methods for diagnosing and treating cancer.