The work of immunity depends on a previously unknown protein
Last reviewed: 30.05.2018
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In their recent studies, experts from the College of London found that the main role in the development of immunity is protein, and this, in turn, determines a new direction in the development of effective methods of treatment. As experiments on laboratory mice and human cells have shown, the NLRP12 protein increases the growth of cytotoxic cells that produce the immune system for the destruction of pathological cells.
It is worth noting that the discovery of the research team made unexpectedly, and the protein NLRP12 is not similar to other proteins known to experts.
Currently, researchers from the London College work in the field of gene therapy and are trying to find a way that helps the immune system to fight infected cells. Experts suggest that clinical trials involving people will begin in the next three years. Most likely, not only experts from London College, but also experts from other research centers of England will take part in the work.
Cytotoxic cells are considered to be the most important in the work of the immune system, however, with serious infections or when spreading cancer throughout the body, immunity is not able to produce the desired number of such cells.
In the process of monitoring laboratory rodents with genetic mutations, a team of specialists established that the body of such mice, when ingested, produced ten times more cytotoxic cells than in conventional mice. Mice with genetic mutations inhibit the development of infection several times more efficiently, in addition, the body 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 body and begin to fight the disease quickly.
Now researchers are developing gene therapy, which will help increase the body's own defenses and increase the production of NLRP12 protein.
Head of the research Philip Ashton, professor in the Immunobiology Department of the London Medical College, noted that T cells can suppress the development of cancer cells and improve the immune response of the body.
The goal of genetic engineering is to increase the body's ability to resist cancer. Scientists suggest that the introduction of NLRP12 protein will help patients with cancer tumors to better resist the disease.
The discovery made by the British research group is unique. Now experts continue to work in this direction, using animals in their experiments, and if all the tests run out successfully, then experts will begin clinical trials involving human.
Now tests on laboratory rodents are continuing to understand how safe this treatment will be and possible interaction with other therapeutic methods. After the successful completion of this phase, scientists will start testing in humans.
Financing of scientific work is carried out by the Medical Research Council and the Heart Foundation in Britain.