Weizmann’s cancer research world first

(TIMES OF ISRAEL) Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have discovered, in a world first, that specialised immune cells known as memory B cells can recognise and attack ovarian cancer tumours.

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynaecological cancer worldwide, with a five-year survival rate below 50 per cent.

The peer-reviewed study, conducted in Professor Ziv Shulman’s lab in Weizmann’s Department of Systems Immunology, challenges the scientific assumption that immune memory B cells only respond to external invaders such as viruses and bacteria.

The research, led by Dr Nachum Nathan, appeared in Immunity. It identified memory cells that zeroed in on ovarian tumours and produced effective antibodies against them.

The findings pave the way for the development of vaccines and therapies that harness immune memory to fight cancer.