New mechanism activates the immune system against tumor cells

(University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna) It is currently one challenge in cancer research to activate the body's natural defences to eliminate tumour cells. Veronika Sexl, head of the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Vetmeduni Vienna, has now discovered with her team a surprising new function for the signalling molecule STAT1 in immune cells. This previously unknown feature could pave the way to a new therapeutic approach to immunological cancer therapy. The study results were published in the journal 'OncoImmunology'.
Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news