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 immune response of hepatic stellate cells, which are crucial in fighting liver tumors.
Key Findings
The study reveals that high levels of the immune-suppressing protein NBR1 in these cells can indicate patients unlikely to respond to immunotherapy. Conversely, reducing NBR1 can shrink tumors in animal models, suggesting a new treatment option for certain patients.
Proteins p62 and NBR1: The Yin and Yang
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 Directions
Dr. Maria Diaz-Meco, another co-principal investigator, emphasizes the need for biomarkers to predict which patients will benefit from immunotherapy. The team is exploring therapies to degrade NBR1 and activate STING, a protein that boosts the immune response. These efforts aim to improve treatment for liver cancer and potentially other cancers.
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 liver is an important organ that helps with digestion and filtering toxins from the blood.
Proteins p62 and NBR1 -: Proteins p62 and NBR1 are molecules in the body that have specific functions. In this study, they are important for understanding how the immune system responds to liver cancer.
NBR1 levels -: NBR1 levels refer to the amount of the NBR1 protein present in the body. High levels of NBR1 can mean that the body is not responding well to immunotherapy.
STING -: STING is a protein that helps the immune system detect and respond to infections and cancer. Activating STING can make the immune system more effective in fighting cancer.