Scientists have found a “switch” that can destroy cancer cells (4 photos)

Researchers from the University of California, USA, have discovered a new way to destroy cancer. We are talking about the cells lining blood vessels in tumor tissues and the activation of the process of their destruction.





CD95 receptors (Fas) are located on the outside of cancer cell membranes. They are called "death receptors": when activated, they send a signal that causes cells to self-destruct.

Until recently, CD95 was underappreciated in cancer immunotherapy.

A discovery that could become a turning point in the treatment of oncology



During experiments, scientists identified specific antibodies that, when attached to Fas receptors, cause self-destruction.

Jogender Tushir-Singh, an immunologist and co-author of the study, said: "Previous attempts to target this receptor have been unsuccessful. But now that we have identified this epitope, there may be a therapeutic route to target Fas in tumors."

The “switches” are activated by the desired antibody, triggering the process of death of the cancer cell



An antibody that binds to an epitope that is a specific part of the "death receptor" acts as a "switch" for the cell.

The discovery gives doctors the opportunity to improve existing treatment methods. In recent years, CAR-T therapy has been increasingly used. It involves removing T cells from the body, modifying them so they can recognize and attack cancer cells, and reintroducing them to the patient.

However, the disadvantage of these programmed cells is that they cannot break through to “foreign” cells that do not have recognizable antigens. Therefore, CAR-T therapy is limited to the treatment of leukemia and is powerless against tumors.



Jogender explained: "These tumors are often referred to as 'cold' tumors because immune cells simply cannot penetrate the microenvironment to produce a therapeutic effect. It does not matter how well we have developed antibodies and T cells if they cannot get to the tumors. Therefore, we need to find ways for the T cell to get in.”

Scientists have developed two antibodies that "extremely effectively" attach to Fas receptors and cause third-party cells to self-destruct. Laboratory experiments on ovarian cancer cells showed excellent results.