Down but not out -- inhibited Tyk2 retains anti-cancer activity

(University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna) Tyk2 has an important role in the defense against infections and cancer. Recent studies, have established that Tyk2 is strongly activated in certain types of cancer and that inhibition of its enzymatic activity stops cancer cell growth. A team from the Vetmeduni Vienna has now presented the first evidence that enzymatically inactive Tyk2 retains anti-cancer activity of immune cells in mice. Thus, Tyk2-inhibiting drugs do not impair the immune system's fight against cancer.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news