IRB Barcelona

Research led by Dr. Manuel Serrano at IRB Barcelona has unveiled how senescent cancer cells, post-chemotherapy, employ the PD-L2 protein to evade immune detection and foster a suppressive environment, hindering lymphocyte function. Deactivating PD-L2 in these cells allows the immune system to efficiently eliminate them, enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy. This finding, demonstrated in cell and animal models of various cancers, suggests the potential of PD-L2 inhibitors in improving cancer treatments. Credit:…

The p38a protein is a key enzyme involved in regulating various cellular functions and has been linked to the progression of several diseases, including cancer, chronic inflammation, and neurodegenerative disorders. Its role in these diseases is often associated with its ability to control cell growth, death, and response to stress. The recent discovery of its oxidized form, which alters its functional state, provides a deeper understanding of its mechanisms in disease and could lead to more effective treatments targeting…