Exposing hiding lymphoma cells to the immune system

(© Image: Adobestock) Scientists uncover how cancer cells use certain proteins to shield themselves from immune attacks, offering new treatment perspectives with immediate application. A study led by the group of Didier Trono at EPFL has revealed a crucial survival tactic employed by cancer cells. The scientists have identified a group of proteins, known as "KRAB zinc finger proteins" (KZFPs), that help cancer cells maintain genetic stability and avoid immune system detection. The study is published in Cancer Research . KZFPs are like managers inside our cells, helping to control which parts of our DNA are switched on or off. For example, some KZFPs interact with transposable elements, which are repetitive DNA sequences constituting more than half of the human genome. TEs can potentially cause genetic instability if left unchecked, which makes them a threat to cell integrity and immune detection.