Scientists from a famed research center in Australia have found a better way to harness the immune system to fight mesothelioma. Their analysis of the specific protein fragments that the rare form of cancer’s cells display on their surfaces could pave the way for more effective immunotherapy treatments.
Major Finding Points to New Mesothelioma Treatment Possibilities
Writing for the journal Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, researchers from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program at Monash University in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia report that they analyzed over 54,000 protein fragments from mesothelioma cells, as well as fluid samples from patients’ lungs. The results were the identification of several categories of potential targets that could help patients’ immune systems recognize and attack mesothelioma cells more effectively.
One of the most important things the scientists found in mesothelioma patient samples was an unusually high number of modified protein fragments—about 25% compared to just 6% in laboratory-grown cells. These modifications are caused by cellular damage, and the researchers theorize that they may help the immune system better identify cancer cells as foreign invaders. The study also identified protein fragments from well-known mesothelioma markers like mesothelin, a protein that appears on the surface of mesothelioma cells. They found thirteen different fragments from this protein, including one that closely matches a target that’s previously been shown to activate immune cells against mesothelioma.
Unique Mesothelioma Immune Signature Could Guide Future Treatment
Unlike most other cancers, the mesothelioma cells displayed a specific pattern of immune system activation that might explain why some immunotherapy approaches may prove especially effective. The cells appeared to naturally display more protein fragments than is typical, providing researchers with easier targets as they develop immune-based treatments.
The researchers also found that the mesothelioma cells activated “ancient, viral-like genetic elements” that are normally silenced in healthy cells. They found that when those elements were reactivated, they produced protein fragments that the immune system could recognize as foreign, in the same way it responds to actual viral infections. This research needs more exploration, but it seems to provide a pathway for developing new, personalized immunotherapies. The protein fragments that the scientists identified could serve as targets for vaccines or T-cell therapies specifically designed for each individual patient.
For patients and families affected by mesothelioma, this research represents important progress toward more effective treatments. If you’ve been impacted by this rare, asbestos-related disease and need more information, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
