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 potential new treatment 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
The research team, including Dr. Maria Diaz-Meco, aims to develop therapies that degrade NBR1 and activate the immune system. They are also exploring drugs that activate STING, a protein that boosts immune response, as a potential treatment for liver cancer.
The study highlights the need for biomarkers to predict which patients will benefit from immunotherapy, as current treatments only extend life by a few months. The researchers plan to continue investigating the molecular mechanisms that regulate the immune response in the liver.
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 treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight diseases like cancer. It works by boosting or changing how the immune system works to better attack cancer cells.
Liver Cancer -: Liver cancer is a disease where cells in the liver grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. The liver is an important organ that helps with digestion and cleaning the blood.
Proteins p62 and NBR1 -: Proteins p62 and NBR1 are special molecules in the body that help with various functions, including the immune response. In this study, they are important for understanding how the body fights liver cancer.
Hepatocellular carcinoma -: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer. It starts in the main type of liver cells and can be very serious if not treated properly.
