Cancer: Deleting two molecules boosts immune response

According to a new study, deleting two key molecules can give immune cells a much-needed boost in the fight against cancer and infections. These results have important implications for cancer immunotherapy and a potential cure for HIV. Our immune system possesses a rich arsenal of "weapons" that it can use in the fight against the disease. So-called CD8 T cells are part of this arsenal. In case of an infection from viruses or bacteria, CD8 T cells are dispatched to destroy the infected cells. Sometimes called cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CD8 T cells are also key in the fight against cancer and in the use of immunotherapy against tumors.