According to the latest reports, it seems that there is a protein that could manage autoimmune conditions and potentially target cancer. Check out the latest reports about this below.
Protein could manage autoimmune conditions and target cancer
The Australian National University (ANU) researchers have made a significant discovery that can help in managing severe autoimmune conditions and treating cancer.
They have found a protein called DECTIN-1 in the immune system that can be beneficial against fungal infections. However, when this protein is mutated, it can worsen autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, irritable bowel disease, and eczema.
This mutation affects the production of T regulatory cells which are essential in preventing autoimmune diseases. Lead researcher Cynthia Turnbull has explained that these cells are responsible for suppressing the effects of a hyperactive immune system, which can be harmful if not correctly regulated.
“When the immune system wrongly perceives healthy cells as a threat it attacks the body and promotes the onset of autoimmune disease,” Ms. Turnbull said.
“Although the DECTIN-1 protein helps to fight fungal infections, in its mutated state it is also responsible for exacerbating severe autoimmune disease.
“Understanding how and why the mutated version of this protein causes autoimmunity in patients brings us a step closer to developing more effective drugs.”
According to the scientists, DECTIN-1 can be used as a switch to control the immune system. By activating the protein, the intensity of the immune system’s defensive response can be lowered, which can be helpful in treating conditions like autoimmune disease.
Conversely, deactivating the protein can give a boost to the immune system, triggering its defense mechanisms and allowing the body to treat different types of diseases.
The discovery of modifier proteins such as DECTIN-1 is exciting, as they can alter the behavior of the immune system to the extent that they can either cause or prevent a disease. Carola Vinuesa, co-author of the study from the Francis Crick Institute, expressed her enthusiasm for the findings.
