Research lead
Scientists funded by the charity Cancer Research UK have identified a new protein tag specific to dendritic cells, which they believe could be an important target for cancer vaccines and vaccines against pathogens including HIV and malaria.
Researcher Caetano Reis e Sousa, said the tag, called DNGR-1, could be targeted to deliver antigens to dendritic cells, which will then present to antigen to T cells prompting an immune reaction.
Since dendritic cells were discovered in 1973, scientists have been searching for unique tags that could be used to deliver antigens, but to date most found also exist on other types of cells.
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