Immune System's Double Role in Cancer

Some proteins of the immune system can promote tumor growth, according to a study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

According to John D. Lambris, PhD, the protein C5a, which is produced during an immune response to a developing tumour, helps tumours build molecular shields against T-cell attack.

C5a belongs to the complement system, one of the body's immune defenses against pathogens. If the system proteins get activated they can relieve the body of microbes and foreign cells.

In fact, a large number of cancer treatments are aimed at boosting the immune system to kill tumours.

"Until now, everyone thought that the complement system was there to eliminate tumor cells. We found that in some conditions, the complement system can promote tumor growth, depending on the specific tumor and the specific environment in which the tumors are developing," Nature quoted Lambris as saying

About Brain Tumor
Brain tumors are the abnormal growth of brain cells that may be benign or metastatic. Brain tumors account for about 2.4% of all the tumor diagnosesandare most challenging due to their critically delicate location.

But, the scientists discovered that in a mouse model, activation of the complement system in tumour tissue leads to the generation of C5a.

C5a then ropes in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) to tumours. The MDSCs block the function of CD8+ T cells, which would normally dismantle a tumour.

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Prevention Of Tumor Growth Possible by Targetting Non-Malignant Cells
Yet another study in the field of cancer treatment has come out with an amazing finding that non-malignant cells that supports a cancer can cease tumour growth.

The scientists also found that blocking the C5a receptor on cell surfaces impairs tumour growth at the same rate of Paclitaxel, a chemotherapy drug.

The discovery could lead to new cancer treatments with far fewer side effects than chemotherapy.