A new CRISPR-based technology, TRED-I, has been developed to increase visibility of cancer cells to the immune system by augmenting MHC class I molecules. This technology has shown promising results in animal cancer models, reducing tumor sizes and enhancing treatment efficacy when used with existing immunotherapy.
Researchers at UCF have identified 116 new gene variants in sea turtles that may protect them from a tumor-causing disease. The discovery sheds light on the role of MHC class I alleles in potentially safeguarding sea turtles against fibropapillomatosis.
Researchers have discovered an ancient category of MHC molecules, MHC-W, which represent a missing link for explaining how class I molecules evolved from a class II-like origin. This finding resolves a long-standing puzzle in immunogenetics.
Researchers at Hokkaido University and Texas A¼M University identified a key mechanism used by SARS-CoV-2 to evade host immune systems, targeting the MHC class I pathway. The study found that the virus suppresses the activation of this pathway using the ORF6 protein, allowing it to persist in the body and infect others.
Researchers discovered that infections improve the production and function of naïve T cells, the body's first line of defense against disease. This mechanism involves interleukin 7 and MHC molecules, which signal naïve T cells to stay alive and receive optimal metabolic signals.
A study found that cancer stem cells with MHC Class I molecules upregulate and retain CDK1 protein, allowing them to initiate tumor growth. Sox2 transcription factor plays a key role in maintaining their stemness.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found biomarkers in melanoma that can help tailor immunotherapy treatments. The study suggests that some patients with advanced melanoma may not benefit from combination therapy, but could do well with single-agent treatment.
Researchers discovered that cytokine therapy enhances natural killer cell functions against tumors lacking MHC class I. The treatment restored NK cell activity and reduced tumor size in mice, supporting further investigation into its potential as a cancer treatment.
Researchers at Caltech uncover how HCMV uses a stolen class 1 MHC protein, UL18, to hide from the immune system. The virus's decoy protein binds tighter than real MHC molecules, inhibiting immune response and allowing it to thrive without harming its host.
Researchers found that cowpox and monkeypox viruses can prevent the immune system from detecting infected cells, a strategy that could aid in vaccine design. The discovery may help create more effective vaccines against poxviruses and other viruses.
Researchers found that mice lacking MHC Class I molecules can still mount an effective CD8 T cell response against chronic herpes virus infections. This suggests the presence of a backup immune system component that can recognize and fight viral proteins without relying on MHC Class I.
Researchers found that herpes viruses use a viral protein called mK3 to hide from the immune system by marking MHC class 1 molecules as waste. This study provides insights into basic cellular processes and offers novel strategies for understanding viral infections.