New tool found to boost immunity in fight against cancer and infections

Researchers have developed a new tool to increase immune response against cancer and infections by identifying a mechanism that regulates the ability of T-cells to react against foreign antigens and cancer.

An international research team led by Université de Montréal Medical Professor Christopher Rudd has outlined how a receptor termed LFA-1 on the surface of T-cells mediates adhesion to other cells such as cancer cells.

Research indicates that LFA-1 mediates adhesion or de-adhesion by engaging a novel intracellular pathway in T-cells. International work over the past decade has underscored the importance of the manipulation of the immune system to combat cancers and infections. Manipulation of the new pathway outlined by Prof Rudd and his co-researchers represents a new targeting strategy to promote immune-cell rejection of cancer.

Prof Rudd’s discovery represents a breakthrough in our ability to understand the immune system and to use it in the fight against cancer and infections,” said Denis-Claude Roy, Director of Research at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital. “This new mechanism allows us to identify the weaknesses of our present immunological approaches and to develop new weapons that are even more effective.”