Researchers have identified tumors that avoid destruction by mimicing the body's immune system.Some tumors "disguise" themselves as lymph tissue in order to attract and reprogram T-cell lymphocytes. T-cells destroy bacteria, viruses and other pathogens that invade the body. They also destroy cells and tissues that exhibit abnormal growth, such as tumors.
Some tumors even secrete a protein that is also secreted by lymph nodes. The protein allows the tumor to transform its outer layer into something that resembles lymph tissue. According to lead author Melody Swartz, "The tumor tricks the body into thinking it is healthy tissue."
The result; immune cells do not detect the tumor as a harmful substance and it is allowed to grow and spread unchecked in the body.
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