Scientists design protein that prods cancer-fighting T-cells

(University of Washington Health Sciences/UW Medicine) Scientists have created a new protein that mimics a key immune regulatory protein, interleukin 2 (IL-2). IL-2 is a potent anticancer drug, but with toxic side effects. In a paper in the Jan. 10 issue of Nature, the researchers report using computer programs to design a protein that they have shown in animal models to have the same ability to stimulate cancer-fighting T-cells as IL-2, but without triggering harmful side effects.
Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news