The engulfing function of the macrophage in response to cancer cells is inhibited by CD47-SIRPα interaction.

Macrophages(1) are a type of white blood cell that can engulf and destroy cancer cells. A research group led by Professor MATOZAKI Takashi, Associate Professor MURATA Yoji, and YANAGITA Tadahiko (Kobe University Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Signaling), discovered that by using an antibody(2) for a particular protein found on macrophages, the macrophage is activated, and cancer cells are effectively eliminated. This discovery could lead to the development of new cancer treatments. The findings were published on January 12 in the online version of JCI Insight.