High glucose thickens cancer cells' sugar shield, helping them evade immune attack
Researchers at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified a protein that helps cancer cells thicken their protective sugar coating. By blocking this protein, scientists hope to make cancer cells more visible and vulnerable to the immune system.
Why it matters
This discovery offers a potential new therapeutic target for cancer treatment by enhancing the body's natural ability to detect and destroy malignant cells.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source This figure shows the results of blocking a protein called heat shock factor 1. Using scanning angle interference microscopy, the scientists showed that inhibiting this protein prevented the thickening of the outer protective layer that cancer cells use to trick the immune system. When the protein is not blocked, cancer cells' cloaking costumes grow thicker in response to excess glucose or hyperglycemia. Credit: Kevin Tharp, Sanford Burnham Prebys Like spies evading detection by mastering disguises, many cancer cells are adorned with a copious coat of sugar-derived molecules that throws the proverbial hounds of the immune system off the scent.
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