According to a story from Futurity, a recent study has identified a protein that plays a central role in the onset of a rare cancer called subcutaneous panniculitis T lymphoma (LTSCP). It is possible that this protein could also play a role in other diseases that involve the immune system and it could be a possible target for future therapies. The protein in question is called TIM-3.
About Subcutaneous Panniculitis T Lymphoma (LTSCP)
Subcutaneous panniculitis T lymphoma (LTSCP) is a type of rare lymphoma that affects T cells. This cancer is occasionally mistaken for panniculitis, which is the inflammation of fatty tissue beneath the skin. This lymphoma is more common in women than men and most patients are between 40 and 60 years old. It has been suspected that this disease was linked to immune system function, but the precise mechanism was previously not well understood. Symptoms include the formation of lumps under the skin of the back, legs, chest, and abdomen, low blood cell count, fever, and enlarged liver and/or spleen. There are no FDA approved therapies for LTSCP, but treatment often includes chemotherapy, radiation, or stem cell transplant. The development of more precise therapies has been a focus of lymphoma research. To learn more about LTSCP, click here.
About The Research
The scientists found that the TIM-3 protein plays a valuable role in regulating the activity of the immune system, and its role in LTSCP has led the authors to recommend that this cancer should be regarded as a genetic disease. When the activity of TIM-3 is shut down, the activity of T cells becomes completely out of control. This over-activation of the T cells is what eventually leads to the development of LTSCP.
The researchers used data from many different patients from across the world, including Australia, Europe, Polynesia, and Southeast Asia. This data allowed the scientists to identify genetic mutations which affected the activation of TIM-3. The biggest clue was the case of a brother and sister from Montreal. The brother had been previously treated for LTSCP when the sister suddenly began to present with symptoms as well.
The discovery of TIM-3’s role in the immune system could be a major opportunity for treating a variety of diseases, such as other cancers, infectious disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Read the original study here.
