Researchers at University of Rochester Medicine reported a study in the journal Developmental Cell. Darren Carpizo led the work. The team found a gene called Dec2 that helps pancreatic cancer cells hide from immune cells by changing a molecule on the cell surface. In lab tests, removing Dec2 let immune cells find and kill the cancer cells.
The researchers also found that Dec2 follows a daily, or circadian, rhythm. The time of day changed how well T cells killed the cancer cells. The study may explain why some immunotherapy works better in the morning. A small mRNA vaccine trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering helped some patients but not others.
Difficult words
- researcher — A person who studies and tests ideas.researchers
- gene — A part of a cell that gives instructions.
- immune cell — A body cell that fights infections and cancer.immune cells
- remove — To take away something from a place.removing
- circadian — A natural daily cycle in the body.
- immunotherapy — Treatment that uses the body's immune system.
- vaccine — Medicine given to make the body immune.
- cancer — A disease in which cells grow out of control.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you prefer immunotherapy in the morning if it works better? Why?
- Why is it important that immune cells can find cancer cells?
- Do you trust results from a small trial? Why?
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