Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Study unmasks how ovarian tumors evade immune system
Slashdot It! Slashdot Study unmasks how ovarian tumors evade immune system
Submit to Reddit Submit Study unmasks how ovarian tumors evade immune system to Reddit
Reading: Study unmasks how ovarian tumors evade immune systemTwitter This Reading: Study unmasks how ovarian tumors evade immune systemTwitter Study unmasks how ovarian tumors evade immune system
Add to Facebook Add Study unmasks how ovarian tumors evade immune system to Facebook

Study unmasks how ovarian tumors evade immune system

December 01, 2008

Potential exists for drugs to halt shedding of fatty molecules, stop tumor growth and kill cancer

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have determined how the characteristic shedding of fatty substances, or lipids, by ovarian tumors allows the cancer to evade the body's immune system, leaving the disease to spread unchecked. Ovarian cancer is considered to be one of the most aggressive malignancies, killing more than 70 percent of diagnosed women within five years, including an estimated 15,000 this year.




In a two-year series of lab experiments, a team of researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and its Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center showed that fluid secretions from tumors, called ascites, which contain lipids and collect in the space surrounding cancerous ovaries, can totally suppress the action of natural killer T cells in the immune system.

Known as NKTs for short, these special T cells must be activated to do their job of jump-starting the immune response and signaling other kinds of white blood cells to rid the body of diseases or leave healthy tissue alone.

As part of the study, researchers collected lipid-filled ascites from 25 women with ovarian cancer and then exposed the lipid samples to an immune system test to see if they blocked activation of NKT cells.

In a report set to appear in the Dec.1 issue of the journal Clinical Cancer Research, the research team also found this evasive blocking tactic to be virtually exclusive to a specific protein, called CD1d, needed to activate the NKT cells.

Their experiments specifically showed that NKT activation was blocked between 10 percent and 100 percent after test cultures of cells that stimulate NKT cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of tumor-derived ascites.

Disrupted or stalled T cell action has been known to play a key role in the spread of several kinds of cancer, the scientists say. But until now, there was no firm evidence that tied a specific T cell in the body's defensive immune system to ovarian cancer.

"Our study findings lay out for the first time how ovarian cancer evades a critical check-point in the immune response, opening the door to future drug development that can halt, limit, reverse or even bypass the blockage, permitting CD1d-mediated NKT cell activation," says immunologist and study senior investigator Mathias Oelke, Ph.D.

According to Oelke, an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins, the research is believed to be the first to demonstrate the clinical effect of ascites on human NKT cells and describe the regulatory role of lipids in cancer progression. Previous studies in mice have confirmed that lipids assist in tumor evasion, he notes. But he says this is the first evidence in humans about the immune-suppressing effects of ascites on NKT cells, which are also abundant in cancers that spread to the abdomen and in other infectious diseases.

"The ultimate goal, of course, is to make sure the immune system can detect the cancer and, we hope, attack and eliminate it," says study co-investigator Jonathan Schneck, M.D., Ph.D. Schneck, a professor of pathology, medicine and oncology, described the blocking as "rapid and prolonged," happening within four hours of ascites exposure and remaining constant for the test duration.

When ascites extracted from men and women with another disease, hepatitis C, were exposed to cells that stimulate NKT cells, only two of six ascites samples blocked its activation.

And in another experiment, immune system CD8 "killer" T cells functioned normally, even when their stimulator cells were previously treated with ascites.

Moreover, the blocking action only occurred with ascites. Matching blood serum samples from the women with cancer failed to block NKT activation.

Researchers say their next steps are to evaluate more than a dozen varieties of lipids that exist in the body to determine their specific role, if any, in modulating the blocking of the NKT cell immune response. Their goal, researchers say, is to find links to other diseases and T-cell activity gone awry.

Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions





Science News and Science Current Events Tag Cloud
This tag cloud is a visual representation of term frequencies of random science news topics with common terms grouped together and emphasized by their display size.
Junk DNA   Infection   Biofilm   Brain Damage   Oxytocin   Circumcision   Psoriasis   Motor Neurons   CPAP   Embryonic Development   Cell Growth   Circadian Clock   Hibernation   Insecticide   Biomarkers   Periodontal   Breastfeeding   Radiation   Embryos   Cognitive Decline   Behavior   Alcohol Dependence   Membrane   Birth Weight   Flu Vaccine  
Related Immune System Current Events and Immune System News Articles Immune System Current Events and Immune System News RSS Immune System Current Events and Immune System News RSS
New clue into how brain stem cells develop into cells which repair damaged tissue
The joint research, funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the UK MS Society as well as the National Institutes of Health and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, was conducted by scientists at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and University of Cambridge and was published today (01 July) in the journal Genes and Development.

UCLA collaboration identifies immune system link to schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a devastating mental disease, thought to be caused by the interaction of both genetic and environmental factors.

Researchers testing virus-gene therapy combination against melanoma
Researchers at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center are injecting a modified herpes virus into melanoma tumors, hoping to kill the cancer cells while also bolstering the body's immune defenses against the disease.

New lab-on-a-chip measures mechanics of bacteria colonies
Researchers at the University of Michigan have devised a microscale tool to help them understand the mechanical behavior of biofilms, slimy colonies of bacteria involved in most human infectious diseases.

Study identifies biomarker that safely monitors tumor response to new brain cancer treatment
A specific biomarker, a protein released by dying tumor cells, has been identified as an effective tool in an animal model to gauge the response to a novel gene therapy treatment for glioblastoma mulitforme.

Mayo Clinic study finds celiac disease 4 times more common than in 1950s
Celiac disease, an immune system reaction to gluten in the diet, is over four times more common today than it was 50 years ago, according to findings of a Mayo Clinic study published this month in the journal Gastroenterology.

UT researcher: Interferon alpha can delay full onset of type I diabetes
A low dose of oral interferon alpha shows promise in preserving beta cell function for patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, or juvenile diabetes.

Gene expression findings a step toward better classification and treatment of juvenile arthritis
Scientists have discovered gene expression differences that could lead to better ways to classify, predict outcome, and treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Scripps research scientists find key culprits in lupus
The more than 1.5 million Americans with systemic lupus erythematosus (or lupus) suffer from a variety of symptoms that flare and subside, often including painful or swollen joints, extreme fatigue, skin rashes, fever, and kidney problems.

Patients with moderate to severe periodontitis need evaluation for heart disease risk
Additional research is called for and patients with moderate to severe periodontitis should receive evaluation and possible treatment to reduce their risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD).
More Immune System Current Events and Immune System News Articles
How the Immune System Works (Blackwell's How It Works)

How the Immune System Works (Blackwell's How It Works)
by Lauren M. Sompayrac (Author)

Understanding the immune system is crucial for both medical and bioscience students, with new research revealing yet more secrets year on year. Many books offer in-depth introductions to the subject, but How the Immune System Works remains uniquely popular for its personable and practical overview of the nuts and bolts of the immune system.

This third edition provides a perfect introduction to the essential principles of the immune system, covered in humorous but highly informative 'lectures' accompanied by clear and accessible illustrations. It is perfect for exam preparation or as an enjoyable overview of a difficult subject. Both students and instructors will welcome the clarity and authority that Lauren Sompayrac brings to this timely revision.

Immunitril (90 Caps) - The Worlds Strongest Immune System Booster!! ***50% MORE***

Immunitril (90 Caps) - The Worlds Strongest Immune System Booster!! ***50% MORE***
by Optimal Therapeutics

Immunitril Activate Immune Cells "The Body's First Line of Defense" Immunitril is the most complete immunity support formula available today. This revolutionary complex is a unique combination of herbs, extracts, minerals, and anti-oxidant vitamins providing maximum support for immune system function. The Best Treatment For an Illness is to Stop It Before it Starts! Immunitril's Many Benefits: Promotes Healthy Immune System Function Increases Healthy Digestive Microflora Supports the Function of White Blood Cells Anti-oxidant Protection Against Cellular Damage May Be Used Daily or When You Feel Your Immunity May Be At Risk Immunitril Contains All Of the Most Powerful Immune System Enhancing Ingredients! Ester C -The patented and improved form of Vitamin C Vitamin E -a powerful...

The Immune System

The Immune System
by Peter Parham (Author)

The Immune System, Second Edition has been designed for use in immunology courses for undergraduate, medical, dental, and pharmacy students. This class-tested and successful textbook synthesizes the established facts of immunology into a comprehensible, coherent, and up-to-date account of how the immune system works, rather than presenting immunology as a chronology of experiments and discoveries. Emphasizing the human immune system the text has been designed to break down the barriers which often divide basic and clinical immunology. The reader-friendly text, section and chapter summaries, and full-color illustrations make the book accessible and easily understandable to students. The Immune System is adapted from Immunobiology by Janeway, Travers & Walport.

New in...

The Immune System 3e

The Immune System 3e
by Peter Parham (Author)


The Immune System, Third Edition is designed for use in immunology courses for undergraduate, medical, dental, and pharmacy students. This class-tested and proven textbook synthesizes the established facts of immunology into a comprehensible, coherent, and up-to-date account of how the human immune system works and the effects it has on the health and survival of individuals and populations, making generous use of medical examples to illustrate points. The reader-friendly text, full-color illustrations, and section and chapter summaries make the book accessible and easily understandable to students.



The Third Edition is a major revision and includes two new chapters: Innate Immunity (Chapter 2) and Principles of Adaptive Immunity (Chapter 3). Former...

90-Day Immune System Makeover

90-Day Immune System Makeover
by Siloam Press

No matter how your health has been in the past, there is something you can do right now-a complete makeover to give you the vitality and energy to embrace life at your best! In just ninety days, Janet Maccaro will enable you to build and strengthen your immune system to bring your body into proper balance and experience disease-free living. Birthed out of Maccaro-s twenty-year struggle with poor health and immune dysfunction, this book provides time-tested natural alternatives to strengthen your body, mind, and spirit. If you-re tired of being sick and tired, and if you-re ready for a complete immune system makeover, this easy-to-follow guide to renewed health can show you how!

The Immune System Cure: Optimize Your Immune System in 30 Days-The Natural Way!

The Immune System Cure: Optimize Your Immune System in 30 Days-The Natural Way!
by Kensington (Producer)



Human Immune System DVD

Human Immune System DVD
Starring: Artist Not Provided

The body’s immune system is essential for survival. Learn how it defends us against foreign substances, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, parasites, potentially toxic cells, or abnormal cells. The immune system attacks invaders, or antigens, and maintains a memory of doing so, thereby enabling it to respond more quickly and with greater strength if the body is ever exposed to the same threat again. Understand what antibodies are and learn how they’re produced. Immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases are discussed, so students will know what happens when the immune system does not function as it should.

Garden of Life Immune System Food, RM-10, 120 Caplets

Garden of Life Immune System Food, RM-10, 120 Caplets
by Garden of Life

Whole food dietary supplement.RM-10 is a combination of 10 tonic mushrooms synergistically balanced with Aloe Vera and the herb Uncaria Tomentosa (Cat's Claw). Select ingredients are produced through the Garden of Life proprietary Poten-Zyme process to make nutrients more available to the body. 100% Vegetarian. This product is made with natural ingredients; therefore color may vary from lot to lot.

Standard Process Canine Immune System Support 110 g

Standard Process Canine Immune System Support 110 g
by standard process



90-Day Immune System Makeover

90-Day Immune System Makeover
by Janet C. Maccaro (Author)

No matter how your health has been in the past, there is something you can do right now—a complete makeover to give you the vitality and energy to embrace life at your best! In just ninety days, Janet Maccaro will enable you to build and strengthen your immune system to bring your body into proper balance and experience disease-free living. Birthed out of Maccaro’s twenty-year struggle with poor health and immune dysfunction, this book provides time-tested natural alternatives to strengthen your body, mind, and spirit. If you’re tired of being sick and tired, and if you’re ready for a complete immune system makeover, this easy-to-follow guide to renewed health can show you how!

© 2009 BrightSurf.com