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That is the function of checkpoint inhibitors, according to an explanation I got from a cancer researcher after asking a similar question. Essential, cancer ce
by instagraham 4y ago
That is the function of checkpoint inhibitors, according to an explanation I got from a cancer researcher after asking a similar question.
Essential, cancer cells convince the immune system not to attack them, so these inhibitors target the mechanisms by which they do so to get the immune system to take note of these cells. Hope someone more knowledgeable will correct me if I'm wrong.
- adamredwoods 4y agoCancer cells express proteins that communicate with lymphocytes (white blood cells) to block apoptosis (cell death). We can't target the cancer cells, so we tweak the lymphocytes to block PD-1 receptors, thus ignoring ALL cells that express a lot of PD-L! protein. This unfortunately includes healthy cells.