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Immune function depends on a previously unknown protein
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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In their latest research, experts from the London College have found that protein plays a key role in the development of immunity, which in turn defines a new direction in the development of effective treatment methods. As experiments on laboratory mice and human cells have shown, the NLRP12 protein increases the growth of cytotoxic cells, which are produced by the immune system to destroy pathological cells.
It is worth noting that the research group made an unexpected discovery, and the NLRP12 protein is not similar to other proteins known to experts.
Currently, researchers from the London College are working in the field of gene therapy and trying to find a way to help the immune system fight infected cells. Experts assume that clinical trials involving people will begin in the next three years. Most likely, not only experts from the London College will take part in the work, but also specialists from other research centers in England.
Cytotoxic cells are considered to be the most important in the functioning of the immune system, however, during serious infections or when cancer spreads throughout the body, the immune system is unable to produce the required number of such cells.
In the process of observing laboratory rodents with genetic mutations, the team of specialists found that the organism of such mice, when a virus entered the organism, produced ten times more cytotoxic cells, compared to normal mice. Mice with genetic mutations suppress the development of infection several times more effectively, in addition, the organism of mice is more resistant to cancer, which is associated with a large number of T-cells that recognize infections that have previously penetrated the organism and begin a rapid fight against the disease.
Researchers are now developing gene therapy that will help boost the body's own defenses and increase production of the NLRP12 protein.
Study leader Philip Ashton, a professor in the Department of Immunobiology at the London College of Physicians, said T cells could suppress the development of cancer cells and improve the body's immune response.
The goal of genetic engineering is to increase the body's ability to resist cancer. Scientists suggest that introducing the NLRP12 protein will help cancer patients better resist the disease.
The discovery made by the English research group is unique. Now specialists continue to work in this direction, using animals in their experiments, and if all the tests are successful, then experts will begin clinical trials involving humans.
Testing on laboratory rodents is currently underway to understand how safe this treatment is and how it might interact with other therapeutic methods. Once this phase is successfully completed, scientists will begin testing on humans.
Funding for the research is provided by the Medical Research Council and the UK Heart Foundation.