A recent study shows that altering protein activation at wound sites could potentially help prevent chronic inflammation and prevent the spread of cancer.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, US, have identified a molecular sensor that recognises wound-induced hydrogen peroxide and then coordinates the immune system to fight off harmful microbes. Hydrogen peroxide is released naturally in the body at tumour and wound sites, which causes neutrophil and leukocyte cells to respond and begin the inflammation process. It has been found that hydrogen peroxide modifies Lyn, the molecular protein, which then recruits the inflammatory cells. These cells, however, can be damaging to the body, causing chronic inflammation in wounds, and cancerous tumour growth.

The study observed translucent zebra fish larvae to watch neutrophils travel down to wound sites on their tails.

'We now speculate that the recruitment of immune cells for wound healing and tumour growth involves a different molecular pathway than recruitment of immune cells for fighting infections,' said Anne Huttenlocher, a professor in the Univeristy of Wisonsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. 'If we blocked Lyn, it's possible cells could still get to infection sites, where they could be helpful, but not to wounds or tumours, where they could be harmful.'

To see the study, click here.

Image: Recurrent Malignant Melanoma, Upper Back. Credit: euthman on Flickr.