Immune System Killer Mechanism Identified

Posted by samzenpus on Sunday October 31, 2010 @07:39PM from the cancer-killer dept.

traveller.ct writes "Researchers from Melbourne and London have identified the mechanism by which the immune system destroys malignant cells. The notion of killer cells puncturing a malignant cell to inject toxic enzymes has been understood for over a century, but now, using the Australian Synchrotron, researchers have identified the protein which is responsible for forming a pore in the malignant cell: perforin. Perforin resembles the cellular weaponry employed by bacteria such as anthrax, but may have been appropriated by our immune system in our evolutionary past to fight against them. The researchers are now investigating ways to boost perforin for more effective cancer protection and therapy for acute diseases such as cerebral malaria."

4 of 88 comments (clear)

Doh by Anonymous Coward · 2010-10-31 19:47 · Score: 5, Funny

Should have been pretty obvious from the start.
"Let's see which of the proteins is most likely the one used to perforate other cells.. we have relaxin, movearoundin, respiratin and perforin... hmmm!
1. Re:Doh by Kilrah_il · 2010-10-31 20:31 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  Can you hear it? The whisper quiet sound of something Whooshing way above you? Or maybe you just aren't relaxin enough...
  
  --
  Whenever in an argument, remember this.
2. Re:Doh by sempir · 2010-10-31 21:15 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  Actually, relaxin and respiratin are also important. Relaxin causes the sphincter to relax, respiratin causes it to inhale, and then finally perforin can do its work. :)
  When "perforin" work is finished it returns to the sphincter and, "fartin" then occurs which causes the sphincter to....exhale!
  
  --
  A closed mouth gathers no foot.
Immune System Killer Mechanism Identified by The_mad_linguist · 2010-10-31 21:37 · Score: 3, Funny

Immune System Killer Mechanism Identified
oh nooooooo