Research from Yale University yields new findings on cancer therapy
2007 NOV 19 -- Research findings, 'Transforming growth factor-beta and the immune response: implications for anticancer therapy,' are discussed in a new report. "Immune homeostasis is a delicate balance between the immune defense against foreign pathogens and suppression of the immune system to maintain self-tolerance and prevent autoimmune disease. Maintenance of this balance involves several crucial networks of cytokines and various cell types," researchers in the United States report. "Among these regulators, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a potent cytokine with diverse effects on hematopoietic cells. Its pivotal function within the immune system is to maintain tolerance via the regulation of lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation, and survival. In addition, TGF-beta controls the initiation and resolution of inflammatory responses through the regulation of chemotaxis and activation of leukocytes in the periphery, including lymphocytes, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, mast cells, and granulocytes. Through its pleiotropic effects on these immune cells, TGF-beta prevents the development of autoimmune diseases without compromising immune responses to pathogens. However, overactivation of this pathway can lead to several immunopathologies under physiologic conditions including cancer progression, making it an attractive target for antitumor therapies," wrote S.H. Wrzesinski and colleagues, Yale University. The researchers concluded: "This review discusses the biological functions of TGF-beta and its effects on the immune system and addresses how immunosuppression by this cytokine can promote tumorigenesis, providing the rationale for evaluating the immune-enhancing and antitumor effects of inhibiting TGF-beta in cancer patients." Wrzesinski and colleagues published their study in Clinical Cancer Research (Transforming growth factor-beta and the immune response: implications for anticancer therapy. Clinical Cancer Research, 2007;13(18 Pt 1):5262-70). For additional information, contact S.H. Wrzesinski, Yale University School of Medicine, Dept. of Immunobiology, New Haven, Connecticut USA.. Publisher contact information for the journal Clinical Cancer Research is: American Association Cancer Research, 615 Chestnut St., 17TH Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404, USA. Keywords: United States, New Haven, Anticancer Therapy, Cancer, Cancer Research, Oncology, Therapy, Treatment. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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