Cancer-promoting protein PPARD boosts immune cells' attack on tumors

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that activating the protein PPARD in immune cells makes them more effective at attacking tumors. PPARD-activated CAR T cells slowed colorectal cancer growth in experimental models and also showed promise in breast, ovarian and skin cancers. The findings were published in Nature Immunology.

• Activating PPARD makes immune cells burn more fat and fight tumors better
• PPARD-activated CAR T cells slowed colorectal cancer growth in models
• Promising results also seen in breast, ovarian cancer and melanoma
• The approach has not yet been tested in patients