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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Columbia researchers have uncovered a new type of cell that helps lung tumors hide from the immune system. These specialized fibroblasts, marked by a gene called CHL1, recruit immune-suppressing T cells to shield tumors from attack. Blocking this signaling pathway in mice reduced immune suppression and allowed the immune system to fight back — pointing to a promising new treatment strategy.
Columbia University researchers have discovered a previously unknown type of cell that helps lung tumors evade immune destruction. Published in Nature Immunology, the study found that certain fibroblasts — cells commonly found around solid tumors — express a gene called CHL1 that isn't normally present in healthy lung tissue. These CHL1 fibroblasts recruit regulatory T cells to the tumor's border using a signaling protein called CXCL9, effectively creating an immunosuppressive shield that protects the cancer.
In healthy lungs, regulatory T cells play a vital role in preventing runaway inflammation. But in the context of lung cancer, they end up doing the tumor a favor by keeping the immune system from mounting an attack. When researchers blocked the CXCL9 signaling pathway in mouse models, regulatory T cell accumulation dropped — and the immune system was able to target the tumor.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., and new treatment angles are urgently needed. This discovery opens the door to therapies that could disarm a key tumor defense mechanism and enhance the immune system's ability to fight back.
