Marked for Destruction

Just another idea..

Phosphatidyserine is only exposed on the outer membrane of cells undergoing apoptosis (cell suicide) and this functions to signal immune cells to clear out these dead cells. How about tagging cancer cells with such markers for immune cell attack and clearance?

My idea consists of using a targeting moiety such as a monoclonal antibody, to deliver phosphatidylserine coated liposomes onto cancer cells

Upon membrane fusion, Phosphatidylserine will be exposed on the outer leaflet of the tumour cell membrane. This will make the tumour cell appear apoptotic and passing immune cells will recognise it and attempt to clear out the tumour cell.

Immune cells will respond by primarily by phagocytosis- however if phagocytosis fails, immune cells can also use cytotoxic granules to attack the cell. In accompaniment to that, cytokines and chemotactic factors will recruit more immune cells to the vincinity to assist with tumour destruction.

This idea was based on activating and harnessing the specific destructive capability of the immune system to deal with malignant cells rather than rely on conventional chemotherapeutic compounds.

Nevertheless, tumours are always sneaky.. a FOXP3+, Interleukin-10 or Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-b) positive tumour cell can shut down immune system as a way of evading immune destruction. This isn't a fool proof method.. but its an idea nonetheless..

Feedback/Ideas/Comments anyone?

Other than "YOU FOOLISH BLEEDING NERD! GET A LIFE OR GO TO HELL!", I've taken that into account already :) Geeks need love too..