Scientists Discover How Lipids Help Cancer Cells Hide from the Immune System
New York, September 17: Cancer cells often alert the immune system to their presence by displaying chemical signals on their membranes. These signals allow the body’s defenses to destroy the cancer cells before they cause significant damage. Lipids, which are fatty molecules, play a crucial role in this early detection system.
A new study published in Nature reveals that a specific type of lipid is essential for cancer cells to evade the immune system. This lipid is so important that certain cancer cells cannot reproduce without it. Mariluz Soula, a scientist at Lime Therapeutics, explains that cancer cells alter how this lipid is metabolized, which distorts the signals that usually alert the immune system to their presence.
Scientists have long known that cancer cells change lipid metabolism, but it was assumed that they used these lipids for energy. However, the study shows that lipids are not just fuel but also a protection mechanism for cancer cells. The research team, led by Kivanc Birsoy and Gabriel D. Victoria, discovered that cancer cells hoard a type of lipid called sphingolipids to obscure inflammatory signals and evade the immune system.
The team tested an FDA-approved drug used to treat Gaucher disease, which blocks glycosphingolipid synthesis. They found that this drug impaired tumor growth in pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancer models. This suggests that disrupting glycosphingolipid production can make cancer cells more vulnerable to the immune system.
Future research will determine if this mechanism is present in multiple types of cancer. The initial results could have significant clinical impact, especially for aggressive cancers like pancreatic cancer. The team suggests that drug and dietary interventions that reduce sphingolipid production may enhance the effectiveness of existing immunotherapies.
Birsoy notes that diets may impact many aspects of cancer biology, and modulating dietary lipids could be an interesting way to target cancer cells’ ability to evade immune cells.
Doubts Revealed
lipids -: Lipids are fats or fat-like substances that are important for our body’s cells. They help store energy and make up cell membranes.
cancer cells -: Cancer cells are abnormal cells that grow uncontrollably and can spread to other parts of the body. They can form tumors and damage healthy tissues.
immune system -: The immune system is the body’s defense system that fights off infections and diseases. It includes white blood cells, antibodies, and other components that protect us from harmful invaders.
sphingolipid -: Sphingolipid is a special type of lipid found in cell membranes. It plays a role in protecting cells and helping them communicate with each other.
inflammatory signals -: Inflammatory signals are messages sent by the body to indicate that there is an injury or infection. These signals help the immune system respond to and heal the affected area.
drug and dietary interventions -: Drug and dietary interventions are treatments that involve taking medicines or changing what you eat to improve health. In this case, they could help make cancer treatments work better.
