New anti-cancer control mechanism found

INTERN DAILY

disclaimer: image is for illustration purposes only

by Staff Writers
Montreal (UPI) Jan 21, 2009
Canadian medical researchers say they have discovered a new anti-cancer, anti-infection response control mechanism.

Dr. Andre Veillette of the Institute of Research Clinics in Montreal, and his team led by postdoctoral fellow Dr. Mario-Ernesto Cruz-Munoz, said their discovery could have a significant impact on the treatment of cancers and infectious diseases.

The team identified one of the basic mechanisms controlling "natural killer" cell activity. Produced by the immune system, NK cells are responsible for recognizing and killing cancer cells and cells infected by viruses, they said, and NK cell deficiency is associated with a higher incidence of cancers and serious infections.

"Our breakthrough demonstrates that a molecule known as CRACC, which is present at the surface of NK cells, increases their killer function," said Veillette.

Using mice, the researchers showed those lacking the CRACC gene were found to be more susceptible to cancer persistence. Conversely, stimulation of CRACC function was found to improve cancer cell elimination. Thus, they said, stimulating CRACC could boost NK cell activity, helping to fight cancers. In addition, it could improve the ability to fight infections, which are also handled by NK cells.

The findings are detailed in the journal Nature Immunology.

Memory Foam Mattress Review

SPACE MEDIA NETWORK PROMOTIONS
Solar Energy Solutions
Tempur-Pedic Mattress Comparison ...

Newsletters :: SpaceDaily :: SpaceWar :: TerraDaily :: Energy Daily
XML Feeds :: Space News :: Earth News :: War News :: Solar Energy News

INTERN DAILY

China expects to invest 120 billion dollars in healthcare: govt

Beijing (AFP) Jan 21, 2009
China said Wednesday it planned to invest 850 billion yuan (120 billion dollars) in the reform of its healthcare system in the next three years.

AEROSPACE New Turbines Can Cut Fuel Consumption For Business Jets Air China expects to post 'significant loss' for 2008 Nations demand climate plan from air, maritime industries Cathay defers completion of new cargo terminal due to downturn	CAR TECH Over 91,000 killed in China in accidents in 2008: report Ford starts making Fiesta in China China 2008 auto sales growth slows to eight percent: state media Recession got you down? Buy a hybrid
MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS Increasing Joint Battlefield Operation Effectiveness Australia Chips In A Spare Quarter For Boeing Wideband Global SATCOM Bird Boeing Completes Critical Design Review For FAB-T Software-Defined Radio Boeing Increases Capability Of On-Orbit US Navy Satellite	MISSILE DEFENSE Outside View: BMD priorities -- Part 5 BMD Watch: New SBIRS software tested Obama Takes The Football And Mitt Part Four New US president could order missile shield review: official
FARM NEWS Prairie Soil Organic Matter Shown To Be Resilient Under Intensive Agriculture Cooling The Planet With Crops Purdue Technology Detects Contaminant In Milk Products Families of Chinese milk victims file Supreme Court suit: volunteer	DISASTER MANAGEMENT Indonesia braces for flood-related diseases China to rebuild quake town, call it 'Eternal Prosperity': state media As lightning deaths soar, Cambodians look to superstition Australia boosts aid to flood-ravaged Fiji
TECH SPACE Raytheon Sensor Passes Space Simulation Test Next Generation Cloaking Device Demonstrated Lockheed Martin Begins Key Test Of First SBIRS Geo Satellite With New Flight Software Solving The Mysteries Of Metallic Glass	ROBO SPACE AF Officials Look At Robots For Aircraft Ground Refueling Japan researchers unveil robot suit for farmers Will GI Roboman Replace GI Joe Marshall Sponsors Four Student Teams In FIRST Robotics Competitions

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright Space.TV Corporation. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space.TV Corp on any Web page published or hosted by Space.TV Corp. Privacy Statement