Protein Found to Manage Autoimmune Conditions and Potentially Target Cancer

New discovery offers hope to those with autoimmune diseases.

Cynthia Turnbull holds up a 3D printed stencil of a DECTIN-1 structure in a lab at ANU in Canberra, ACT, Australia, Dec. 1, 2023. Tracey Nearmy/ANU

Researchers at the Australian National University (ANU) have identified a potential breakthrough in managing severe autoimmune conditions and treating cancer through a protein in the immune system.

DECTIN-1, typically beneficial against fungal infections, was found to exacerbate autoimmune diseases like irritable bowel disease, type 1 diabetes, and eczema when mutated.