Revolutionary discovery: Polyamines weaken the immune system against cancer!

Revolutionary discovery: Polyamines weaken the immune system against cancer!

Scientists at Mainz University Medical Center have published groundbreaking findings on immune defense in cancer. The focus of their study is on a specific mechanism of immune regulation that is influenced by the accumulation of natural molecules called polyamines in tumor tissue. These molecules inhibited the body's defense cells and thus represented a significant hurdle in the fight against cancer. The detailed results of the research are in the renowned specialist journal Immunity been published.

The study, led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Tobias Bopp and Univ.-Prof. Dr. Hansjörg Schild, deals extensively with the role of polyamines in tumor immunology. The researchers were able to show that the targeted suppression of polyamine production in the tumor significantly improves the immune response against cancer without simultaneously increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases. These findings indicate great potential in the development of new therapies.

Mechanism of polyamine inhibition

A key aspect of the study is the change in regulatory T cells that was observed when the polyamines were inhibited. These special immune cells are normally responsible for preventing excessive immune responses, but their functioning is negatively affected by the polyamines. After inhibiting the polyamines, significant changes in the structure of the tumor were recorded, which improved both blood flow and permeability to therapeutic agents.

The researchers have also found that reducing polyamines increases the effectiveness of active pharmaceutical ingredients. This allows them to penetrate the tumor tissue better. The positive influence on tumor biology could form the basis for new, targeted therapy strategies.

Clinical studies and future perspectives

A phase I clinical study on the tolerability and optimal dosage of a polyamine inhibitor is currently being carried out in the USA. This study is led by the company Aminex. If the tests are successful, further studies on the effectiveness of this therapy in tumor patients could follow. This could usher in a new era in cancer treatment based on precisely influencing immune regulation.

The current results represent a significant advance in the fight against cancer and could have far-reaching implications for future therapeutic approaches. The research at Mainz University Medical Center not only shows innovative approaches, but also opens doors to new treatment options that use the immune system to fight tumors.