Natural killers: Using the body’s cells to target breast cancer
“The idea is to use this bifunctional protein to bridge the natural killer cells and breast cancer tumor cells,” said Yanzhang (Charlie) Wei, a professor in the College of Science’s Department of Biological Sciences.
Most breast cancer targeting therapies target one of three receptors: estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors or epidermal growth factor receptors. However, up to 20 percent of breast cancers do not express these receptors.
In this novel research, scientists from College of Science’s Department of Biological Sciences targeted prolactin receptors. Breast cancer cells overexpress prolactin receptors.
Wei and his team developed a bifunctional protein. One part is a mutated form of prolactin that can still bind to the prolactin receptor but blocks signal transduction that would promote tumor growth. The other part is an extracellular domain of major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related protein (MICA). The idea is to use this bifunctional protein to bridge the natural killer cells and breast cancer tumor cells.
More info: medicalxpress.com
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