Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025
12:55
Strategies for Tracking Anastasis, A Cell Survival Phenomenon that Reverses Apoptosis
Published on: February 16, 2015
18.3K
Death in the Fas, ELANE.
1Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Cell
|June 11, 2021
Summary
Neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, can selectively kill cancer cells through a novel mechanism. This discovery integrates biochemistry, cell biology, and immunology to explain cancer cell elimination.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Neutrophils are key immune cells involved in pathogen defense.
- Their role in directly eliminating cancer cells is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms by which neutrophils eliminate cancer cells.
- To elucidate the interplay of biochemical and cellular processes in this anti-cancer activity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized classical biochemistry techniques.
- Employed novel cell biology approaches.
- Investigated innate and adaptive immune responses.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a previously unknown capacity of neutrophils to selectively target and kill cancer cells.
- Uncovered the specific biochemical and cellular pathways involved in cancer cell destruction by neutrophils.
Conclusions:
- Neutrophils possess a potent and selective anti-cancer function.
- This finding opens new avenues for cancer immunotherapy by leveraging neutrophil-mediated killing.
Related Concept Videos
01:17The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
6.9K
The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
6.9K
01:30Overview of Cell Death
8.2K
Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the...
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the...
8.2K
01:16Necrosis
5.2K
Necrosis is considered as an “accidental” or unexpected form of cell death that ends in cell lysis. The first noticeable mention of “necrosis” was in 1859 when Rudolf Virchow used this term to describe advanced tissue breakdown in his compilation titled “Cell Pathology”.
Morphological Manifestations of Necrosis
Necrotic cells show different types of morphological appearance depending on the type of tissue and infection. In coagulative necrosis, cells become...
Morphological Manifestations of Necrosis
Necrotic cells show different types of morphological appearance depending on the type of tissue and infection. In coagulative necrosis, cells become...
5.2K
01:25Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
266
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and FibroScan are valuable diagnostic tools in gastroenterology and hepatology, each with specific applications and techniques.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
266
01:24Caspases
12.9K
Caspase, a family of cysteine proteases, serve as effectors in apoptosis. The ced3 gene in C.elegans was first identified to be involved in apoptosis. This gene encodes the ced-3 caspase that is similar to the interleukin-1-beta converting enzyme or ICE in mammals. In addition to apoptosis, caspases also function in the inflammatory response. Inflammatory caspases are essential in activating pro-inflammatory cytokines that recruit immune cells and block the replication of pathogens inside...
12.9K
01:18Autophagic Cell Death
3.7K
Christian de Duve discovered “autophagy,” a process in which cellular components are engulfed by membrane-bound organelles called autophagosomes. The autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes to digest the enclosed contents. Autophagy is generally activated in cells to prevent cell death. However, cell death is triggered when the damage is beyond repair.
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and...
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and...
3.7K