UVA Discovers Secret to Making Immune Cells Better Cancer Killers

Researchers Lelisa F. Gemta (left) and Timothy Bullock have determined why killer T cells can be so helpless against cancer. Their finding could allow doctors to make the cells more effective cancer killers.
Scientists at the School of Medicine have discovered a defect in immune cells known as “killer T cells” that explains their inability to destroy cancer tumors. The researchers believe that repairing this defect could make the cells much better cancer killers. Further, they predict their discovery could be used within three to five years to help identify patients who will best respond to cancer therapies.
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