Targeting PKC-theta Protein: A Way To Inhibit Harmful Immune Responses?

Main Category: Lymphoma / Leukemia / Myeloma
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 10 Nov 2009 - 5:00 PST

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For some individuals with leukemia, the best treatment option is to receive a bone marrow transplant from a person who is not an identical genetic match. The donor bone marrow gives rise to immune cells that attack the leukemia (a response known as a graft-versus leukemia [GVL] response). In some cases, however, the immune cells generated by the donor bone marrow attack other cells in the patient's body and this highly toxic response is known as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Much research is being conducted to identify drugs that can prevent GVHD but preserve GVL responses and responses against infectious agents. A team of researchers, led by Amer Beg and Xue-Zhong Yu, at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, has now identified the protein PKC-theta as a potential drug target in this context by determining that it is required in mice for GVHD induction but not for GVL or protective responses to infectious agents.

TITLE: PKC-theta is required for alloreactivity and GVHD but not for immune responses toward leukemia and infection in mice http://www.jci.org/articles/view/39692?key=zd7vNZFNtFlFYjT9Mfn6

Source: Karen Honey
Journal of Clinical Investigation