Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation that slows the growth of melanoma tumors and other types of cancer by boosting the immune system’s response.
According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, it may be possible to develop new treatments to enhance the effectiveness of existing immunotherapies. The research team, led by Dr. Hechen Shi, an assistant professor at the School of Medicine at “Nob” University in Texas, identified a gene called “H2-Aa” that promotes cancer growth but whose deactivation in immune cells helps resist tumors.
Experiments showed that mice with a modified “H2-Aa” gene were more resistant to tumor growth. Combining a monoclonal antibody targeting this gene with immunotherapy significantly increased the treatment’s effectiveness.
These findings offer new prospects for patients who do not respond to traditional immunotherapy and could pave the way for future clinical trials to develop innovative therapies.