What It’s About

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have made a groundbreaking discovery that could significantly enhance cancer treatment by boosting the immune system’s ability to attack tumors. This breakthrough was published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications.

Why It Matters

The development promises to improve outcomes for cancer patients, particularly those with tumors resistant to current therapies. By identifying a protein that acts as a “brake” on T cells—critical for cancer defense—this discovery aims to revitalize immunotherapy’s effectiveness.

The Big Picture

Led by Prof. Carmit Levy, Prof. Yaron Carmi, and PhD student Avishai Maliah, the research stemmed from a serendipitous connection between UV exposure and the immune system. The team found that UV exposure increased expression of a protein initially linked with immunity, wielding the potential to unlock new immunotherapy advancements.

Intriguing Mechanism

The researchers found that this protein was overexpressed in cancerous tumors, acting as a brake that impedes T-cell function. By therapeutically targeting this protein, the study demonstrated a significant reduction in tumor sizes within animal models, even succeeding where existing treatments did not.

Implications for Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy holds transformative potential but doesn’t work for every patient. With nearly 50% unresponsive to current options, this discovery of a new therapeutic target could dramatically increase effectiveness. The team continues to work towards adapting this promising approach to human cancer treatment.

This story was first published on jpost.com.