BREAKING: Researchers at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a biological “switch” which can cause cancer cells to self-destruct.
The research team was able to identify and activate a crucial epitope that signals a swift death of cancer cells.
Cancer cells have cell membranes that contain protein receptors known as CD95 receptors. These receptors are designed to destroy the cancer cell. Once they are activated, they will release a signal that causes the cell to self-destruct. The trick to killing the cancer cells off is found in a crucial epitope (or a segment of a larger protein) on the CD95 receptor. The UC Davis research team, led by senior author Jogender Tushir-Singh, said their discovery is the first to successfully target the kill “switch.”
“We have found the most critical epitope for cytotoxic Fas signaling, as well as CAR T-cell bystander anti-tumor function,” according to Mr. Tushir-Singh.