A NEW way of killing cancer cells by treating them as biological refuse has been discovered by scientists.
British researchers found that some new antibody drugs work by engaging the garbage disposal system that exists in cells.
But, instead of ridding the cell of unwanted proteins or invading bacteria, the system goes into overdrive and kills the cell itself.
Until now, scientists did not realise that antibody treatments which force tumour cells to die worked in this way.
Antibodies are in the front line of the body’s defences.
The discovery could be further exploited to develop new and more effective drugs.
Nearly all animal cells contain lysosomes, small pockets containing powerful acidic digestive enzymes.
These act as the cell’s garbage disposal system, by releasing their contents to destroy worn out cell components, ingested molecules or bacteria and viruses.
