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Cancer's sneaky antioxidant shield, exposed. Researchers at Cambridge and Oregon Health & Science University found that tumors release a protein called PRDX1 to neutralize the chemical signals T cells need to attack cancer. Blocking this mechanism in mice restored immune activity and improved responses to immunotherapy, pointing to a promising new treatment strategy.
Cancer has long been known to evade the immune system, but scientists have now uncovered a surprisingly clever trick it uses: hijacking antioxidants. Researchers at the University of Cambridge and Oregon Health & Science University discovered that tumors release a protein called Peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) into their surrounding environment. This protein mops up reactive oxygen species (ROS) — molecules that T cells actually need in small amounts to activate and destroy cancer cells. In effect, tumors use antioxidants as a chemical shield to quietly disarm the immune response.
When researchers used CRISPR gene editing to block PRDX1 production in cancer cells in mice, T cells became more active and tumor growth slowed. The same antioxidant defense mechanism was also identified in human cancers, across cell line data, gene activity patterns in thousands of tumors, and fluid from surgically removed tumors. Tumors that previously resisted immunotherapy even began responding when the antioxidant shield was disrupted.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: This discovery identifies a new, targetable pathway by which cancers suppress immunity — and could help unlock immunotherapy for patients whose tumors currently don't respond. It also raises important questions about the role of antioxidant supplements in cancer care.
