Radiation-activated TET2 found to make immune cells protect tumors

· Health · United States

Researchers at the University of Chicago have identified a mechanism by which immune cells reprogrammed by radiation therapy end up protecting tumors rather than attacking them. The study, published in Cancer Cell, shows radiation activates a protein called TET2 in immune cells in bone marrow, where it removes chemical tags. The finding points to a way to reverse radiation-activated immune suppression so that those cells attack tumors instead. The work bears on how radiotherapy is combined with immunotherapy. The available summary does not include patient data.

Why it matters：If radiation-induced immune suppression can be reversed, radiotherapy could become a stronger partner to immunotherapy, a major focus for oncology drug developers.

Key points

  • The study was published in Cancer Cell
  • Radiation activates TET2 in bone marrow immune cells
  • TET2 removes chemical tags from those cells

Sources (original reporting)

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