Hey guys!
In AP Biology recently, we were learning about cancer, and I asked why the white blood cells don't just digest the cancer cells. My teacher replied saying that cancer cells rely on stealth in a sense and when they become cancer cells, the receptors that white blood cells use to detect and attack foreign or rogue molecules/cells. So, having learned about cell communication recently, I thought you might be able to use an existing signal molecule to constantly monitor cells to check if they have these receptors. If they don't, then they would send a signal to the white blood cell when attached to one of its receptors to attack the cancer cells. However, there are a few problems with this. Again, this is just a theory and I wanted to put it out there. If there were a lack of receptors, then the signal molecules would have to begin in a state where they would activate white blood cells even if there was no cancer cell. Still thinking about that. Also, you would have to design your own signal transduction pathway to activate the attack on the cancer cells. I just had this thought and I figured there are some people on here with a lot more knowledge than me. Thanks guys!
Jake