Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential of the Over-expression of Nucleotide Salvage Pathway Enzymes to the Plasma Membrane of Solid, Cancerous Tumors

Authors

Daniel Sharp, Brigham Young University
Dr. Kim O'Neill, Brigham Young University

Keywords

nucleotide salvage, plasma membrane, cancerous tumors, immunotherapy

College

Life Sciences

Department

Microbiology and Molecular Biology

Abstract

Immunotherapy is a developing field in cancer treatment that relies upon the bodies natural defenses to target and eliminate cancerous cells. In order for the immune system to differentiate cancerous tissue from normal tissue there must be some mechanism for targeting only cancerous cells. Without a targeting mechanism, stimulation of the immune system can lead to attack of normal tissue. The use of antibodies to cancer-specific antigens is a viable option to solve this targeting issue. If a cancerous cell specifically expresses a protein on its surface, an antibody to that protein could direct immune cells to the cancerous cell, allowing them to attack and kill it without damaging non-cancerous cells.

Recommended Citation

Sharp, Daniel and O'Neill, Dr. Kim (2014) "Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential of the Over-expression of Nucleotide Salvage Pathway Enzymes to the Plasma Membrane of Solid, Cancerous Tumors," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 789.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/789