London: Scientists have discovered a gene that they claim allows the body to produce cells which are the lynchpin of the immune system, a breakthrough which could pave the way for new treatments for diseases including cancer.
A team at the Imperial College London has identified the master gene, called E4BP4, which is behind the frontline troops of the body`s immune system -- in fact, it kick-starts production of natural killer (NK) cells in the bone marrow.
According to the `New Scientist`, laboratory rodents genetically engineered to lack the gene were able to make all other components of the immune system -- such as B cells which produce antibodies and Tcells that attack pre-selected targets -- but not NK cells. And, this suggests E4BP4 is indispensable for their production.
Bureau Report
