KINGSTON, Ontario, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- Canadian immunologists have discovered how to manipulate the immune system to increase its power to protect the body from successive viral infections.
Queen's University researchers say their discovery could help the immune system fight off cancer, influenza and viruses such as the human immunodeficiency virus.
The study suggests taking components of a virus and indirectly activating specific populations of T cells -- the body's virus-killing cells. The viral components are introduced through a process known as "cross priming" whereby virus molecules are engulfed by immune cells to activate killer T cells.
"With this mechanism in mind, we can develop better tools to make more successful and effective vaccines," said Professor Sam Basta, the principal investigator of the study.
The researchers plan to build on their findings by next studying which immune cells do a better job of protecting the body while using the new technique.
"The answer to this question is like having the Holy Grail of immunotherapy and vaccine design within our grasp," Basta said.
The research, which included master's students Attiya Alatery and Erin Dunbar, appears in the journal Viral Immunology.
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