Targeting PKC-theta protein: a way to inhibit harmful immune responses?

For some individuals with leukemia, the best treatment option is to receive a bone marrow transplant from a person who is not an identical genetic match. The donor bone marrow gives rise to immune cells that attack the leukemia (a response known as a graft-versus leukemia [GVL] response).

In some cases, however, the immune cells generated by the donor bone marrow attack other cells in the patient's body and this highly toxic response is known as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Much research is being conducted to identify drugs that can prevent GVHD but preserve GVL responses and responses against infectious agents. A team of researchers, led by Amer Beg and Xue-Zhong Yu, at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, has now identified the protein PKC-theta as a potential drug target in this context by determining that it is required in mice for GVHD induction but not for GVL or protective responses to infectious agents.

More information: Journal of ClPKC-theta is required for alloreactivity and GVHD but not for immune responses toward leukemia and infection in mice, www.jci.org/articles/view/3969 … zd7vNZFNtFlFYjT9Mfn6

inical Investigation