How the immune system decides whether to attack a tumor? A software designed by scientists at Northwestern University explores this randomness to define better treatments. The system is examining how the Emerging tumors interact with the immune system, which can reduce or, conversely, promote growth.
In the early stages of cancer formation, the immune system is forced to be activated to suppress tumor growth and help the body fight disease, however it is also possible that work dysfunctional way, helping the tumor to grow.
Because this turning point occurs before the patient realizes that something is wrong, doctors can not directly observe this critical phase of development of the disease.
“We believe that when immune cells come into contact with a tumor may act in one way or another, at random. We did not know is how fortuitous factor that impacts the survival of tumor or, on the contrary, their control by the immune system, “said Joshua Leonard, head of research.
“The computational model allows considering this item, how the Emerging metastatic tumors interact with the immune system. A better understanding of this first stage could inform new strategies to overcome immune dysfunction, leading to better treatment outcomes. “
So far, the model has helped explain something doctors have observed in clinical practice: the spatial disorganization within a tumor is a bad sign (Cancer is the uncontrolled and disorganized proliferation of cells). Leonard and his colleagues found, namely, that greater disorganization within tumors may promote immunosuppression and tumor growth.
“We know there is a correlation between disorganization and a poor prognosis, but the reason behind this connection was unclear, “says Leonard. “This study helps explain how the heterogeneity could lead to a context in which the immune system becomes tumor promoter.”
The team is also using this model as a virtual test bench for evaluation Potential therapeutic strategies based on cells designed to overcome the immune dysfunction associated with tumor growth.
“Our ability to design custom biologic therapies using technologies such as synthetic biology ( synthesis of biomolecules with properties not found in nature) is expanding rapidly, “Leonard says. “Computational tools like this will play a key role in helping to design and develop therapies that are safe and effective”
. Reference: Northwestern University
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