New Study by Weill Cornell Medicine Explores Immunotherapy for Liver Cancer
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have conducted a preclinical study that may help determine if patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer, could benefit from immunotherapy. The study, published in Molecular Cell, focuses on two proteins, p62 and NBR1, and their roles in the liver’s immune response.
Key Findings
The study reveals that high levels of the protein NBR1 in hepatic stellate cells can indicate patients unlikely to respond to immunotherapy. Conversely, reducing NBR1 levels in animal models has shown to decrease tumors, suggesting a new treatment option for certain patients.
Proteins p62 and NBR1
Dr. Jorge Moscat, a co-principal investigator, explains that p62 and NBR1 have opposing effects. High p62 levels protect against cancer, while high NBR1 levels suppress the immune system. The study suggests that targeting NBR1 could enhance the immune response and improve immunotherapy outcomes.
Future Research
Dr. Maria Diaz-Meco, another co-principal investigator, emphasizes the need for biomarkers to predict patient response to immunotherapy. The team is exploring therapies to degrade NBR1 and activate STING, a protein that boosts immune response. They aim to understand the molecular mechanisms to improve treatment efficacy.
Doubts Revealed
Weill Cornell Medicine -: Weill Cornell Medicine is a medical school and research institution in the United States. It is part of Cornell University and is known for its medical research and education.
Immunotherapy -: Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer. It uses substances made by the body or in a laboratory to improve or restore immune system function.
Liver Cancer -: Liver cancer is a disease where cells in the liver grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. The most common type of liver cancer is called hepatocellular carcinoma.
Proteins p62 and NBR1 -: Proteins p62 and NBR1 are molecules in the body that have important roles in cell processes. In this study, they are linked to how the immune system responds to liver cancer.
STING -: STING is a protein that helps the immune system detect and respond to infections and cancer. Activating STING can boost the immune response against cancer cells.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma -: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer. It usually occurs in people with chronic liver diseases, like cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B or C infection.
