New Insights: Lactate’s Role in Weakening Cancer Immunity
A groundbreaking study reveals how lactate-driven protein modifications can undermine the cancer-fighting abilities of natural killer (NK) cells. Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and Fudan University’s Human Phenome Institute discovered that high lactate levels in the tumor environment can modify key proteins in NK cells. This change reduces their effectiveness in attacking cancer cells, allowing tumors to grow unchecked.
Implications for Cancer Therapy
Understanding how lactate impacts NK cells opens new possibilities for cancer treatment. By targeting these protein modifications, scientists hope to restore the immune system’s ability to fight cancer more effectively. This research highlights the importance of the tumor microenvironment and could inspire therapies that block or reverse lactate-driven changes. The collaborative effort marks a major step forward in the ongoing battle against cancer, offering hope for more successful immunotherapies in the future.
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