科學家們發現了調控免疫系統的關鍵蛋白

Scientists have discovered a new function of a protein called Runx3. Their research suggests the protein can be manipulated to boost the immune system's defense against cancer.

科學家們發現了蛋白質Runx3的一項新功能。他們的研究顯示，該蛋白可以操縱以提升免疫系統，抵禦癌症。

The human immune system's primary foot soldier is the T cell. Scientists at the University of California San Diego found T cells in infected tissues and tumors were surprisingly similar. Experiments showed Runx3 dictates their presence.

人體免疫系統最主要的衛士就是T細胞。加州大學聖迭戈分校的科學家們發現，受感染的組織和腫瘤的T細胞異常相似。實驗表明，Runx3可指示出它們的存在。

Scientists suggest the protein can be used to encourage T cells to meet cancer on the front lines -- in the tissue where cancer and tumor growth is most likely to begin.

科學家們認爲，該蛋白質可以用來引導T細胞在疾病抗爭最前線--也就是癌細胞和腫瘤最可能生長的地方，與癌細胞做鬥爭。

Scientists detailed their breakthrough in the journal Nature.

科學家們在《自然》雜誌上詳述了他們的突破。

"At this time, we are seeing great promise in treating cancer stemming from approaches that exploit the immune system to target tumor cells and our work describes a new tool for directing the immune system into the right place where it can do its job," molecular biologist Ananda Goldrath said.

分子生物學家阿曼達·葛達絲稱：“現在，我們認爲這種使免疫系統針對癌細胞的方法，潛力巨大。我們的工作發現了一個新的工具，可以使免疫系統到達其應該起作用的地方。”

Scientists knew Runx3 played a role in developing immune cells, but the latest research suggests the protein can also give marching orders, encouraging the persistence of T cells in tissue where malignancies develop and grow slowly.

科學家們知道Runx3在發育免疫細胞的過程中起到了很重要的作用，但最新研究表明，該蛋白質還能發起出發令，引導組織中T細胞堅持工作，使惡性腫瘤發展的更慢一些。