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MTH1 Protein: A New Ally in the Fight Against Mesothelioma

ByHolly Zink
MTH1 Protein: A New Ally in the Fight Against Mesothelioma

Scientists are now investigating a protein known as MTH1. They are delving into its role in boosting the body’s immune response against mesothelioma. This groundbreaking research holds the promise of more effective treatments for patients.

Enhancing Mesothelioma Immunotherapy

Mesothelioma is a challenging type of cancer that affects the lining of organs like the lungs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a toxic mineral used in construction and manufacturing. Scientists have been studying a protein called MTH1. They are looking at its potential role in helping the body’s immune system respond to this cancer. This research could lead to more effective treatments for mesothelioma patients.

MTH1 is a protein that might have a significant impact on how the immune system responds to mesothelioma. But scientists are not entirely sure how it works yet. Figuring out how MTH1 works could make immunotherapy more effective.

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that tries to stimulate an immune response in the patient’s body to fight the cancer cells. Scientists think that MTH1 could play an important role in regulating the immune system. And it could make a type of immunotherapy, called anti-PD-L1, work even better.

MTH1 Inhibitors and Immunotherapy

One of the key focuses of a new study out of Greece was on special immune cells. They are called tumor-associated macrophages. These cells are essential in the body’s defense against cancer. The scientists believe that understanding MTH1 could unlock new ways to fight mesothelioma.

In this study, scientists used a medicine called karonudib to stop MTH1. They found that it boosted the strength of a specific type of macrophage called M1. This means the immune system was better equipped to attack the cancer. It also helped another group of immune cells, called CD8, become more active and effective.

In addition to helping the macrophages, interfering with MTH1 also activated other important immune cells like T cells. This created a powerful group of immune cells ready to fight against mesothelioma.

But the really exciting part was when they combined the MTH1 inhibitor with the anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy. Together, they were even more effective at slowing down mesothelioma tumor growth. And better at reducing the build-up of fluid around the lungs, which is a common problem in mesothelioma.

This research could mean a brighter future for people with mesothelioma. By understanding how MTH1 works and how it interacts with the immune system, scientists are getting closer to finding better treatments.

Source

Magkouta SF, Vaitsi PC, Iliopoulou MP, et al. MTH1 Inhibition Alleviates Immune Suppression and Enhances the Efficacy of Anti-PD-L1 Immunotherapy in Experimental Mesothelioma. Cancers (Basel). 2023;15(20):4962. Published 2023 Oct 12. doi:10.3390/cancers15204962. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10605650/

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