Japanese researchers at Riken have successfully created cells that will specifically attack cancer cells. These Killer T cells or lymphocytes were developed from induced pluripotent stem cells.
Stem Cells
Stem cells are cells that can differentiate (transform) into other type of cells, usually a higher form such as tissues and organs. There are specialized stem cells such as heart stem cells or blood stem cells that differentiates into specific type of cells.
Stem cells that can differentiate into other type of cells are called pluripotent stem cells. These are usually found in human embryos and what is generally known to the public as stem cells.
Scientists have recently discovered a method to convert an adult stem cell (whose differentiation is limited to certain types of tissues/organs) into a pluripotent stem cell. These are called Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPS). iPS cells are special in that it circumvents the controversy on harvesting stem cells from human embryos.
Killer T Cells
White blood cells or leukocytes are cells used by the immune system in attacking foreign and harmful cells. A subgroup of leukocytes are lymphocytes or killer t-cells.
Killer T cells are responsible for identifying and attacking infected cells. But when it comes to cancer cells, killer t-cells are not as efficient in weeding out these harmful cells. For one, some cancer cells have a property that prevents if from being attacked by killer t-cells. Another is that, lymphocytes have a short life span that proves ineffective in a prolonged fight.
Stem Cells
Stem cells are cells that can differentiate (transform) into other type of cells, usually a higher form such as tissues and organs. There are specialized stem cells such as heart stem cells or blood stem cells that differentiates into specific type of cells.
Stem cells that can differentiate into other type of cells are called pluripotent stem cells. These are usually found in human embryos and what is generally known to the public as stem cells.
Scientists have recently discovered a method to convert an adult stem cell (whose differentiation is limited to certain types of tissues/organs) into a pluripotent stem cell. These are called Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPS). iPS cells are special in that it circumvents the controversy on harvesting stem cells from human embryos.
Killer T Cells
White blood cells or leukocytes are cells used by the immune system in attacking foreign and harmful cells. A subgroup of leukocytes are lymphocytes or killer t-cells.
Killer T cells are responsible for identifying and attacking infected cells. But when it comes to cancer cells, killer t-cells are not as efficient in weeding out these harmful cells. For one, some cancer cells have a property that prevents if from being attacked by killer t-cells. Another is that, lymphocytes have a short life span that proves ineffective in a prolonged fight.
