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Cancer's Dark Matter: Lighting the Abyss Unveils Universe of New Therapies
Bernard A Fox1,2,3, Walter J Urba1, Shawn M Jensen1
1Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, Oregon.
Abstract:
The authors of a recent study identified noncanonical peptides (NCP) presented by cancer cells' HLA and observed lack of reactivity to these antigens by endogenous tumor-reactive T cells. In vitro sensitization generated NCP-reactive T cells that recognized epitopes shared by a majority of cancers tested, providing opportunities for novel therapies to shared antigens. See related article by Lozano-Rabella et al., p. 2250.
Insights
Researchers found that cancer cells present noncanonical peptides (NCPs) that T cells do not react to. However, laboratory sensitization created NCP-specific T cells, offering potential new cancer therapies targeting shared antigens.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer cells express Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules presenting peptides.
- Endogenous T cells often show limited reactivity to noncanonical peptides (NCPs) presented by tumors.
- This suggests a potential immune evasion mechanism by cancer cells.
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