Scientists have discovered a new function of a protein called Runx3. Their research suggests the protein can be manipulated to boost the immune system’s defense against cancer.

　　科学家们发现了蛋白质Runx3的一项新功能。他们的研究显示，可以控制此项蛋白提升免疫系统，抵御癌症。

　　The human immune system’s primary foot soldier is the T cell. Scientists at the University of California San Diego found T cells in infected tissues and tumors were surprisingly similar. Experiments showed Runx3 dictates their presence.

　　人体免疫最主要的卫士就是T细胞。 加州大学圣迭戈分校的科学家们发现，受感染的组织和肿瘤的T细胞都异常相似。 实验显示，Runx3可指示出他们的存在。

　　Scientists suggest the protein can be used to encourage T cells to meet cancer on the front lines -- in the tissue where cancer and tumor growth is most likely to begin.

　　科学家们认为，此蛋白质可以用来引导T细胞在疾病抗争最前线和癌细胞做斗争，也就是癌细胞和肿瘤最可能生长的地方。

　　Scientists detailed their breakthrough in the journal Nature. "At this time, we are seeing great promise in treating cancer stemming from approaches that exploit the immune system to target tumor cells and our work describes a new tool for directing the immune system into the right place where it can do its job," molecular biologist Ananda Goldrath said in a news release.

　　科学家们已经在自然杂志公布了他们的详细研究。分子生物学家阿曼达.葛达丝在发布的消息中称，现在，我们认为使免疫系统针对癌细胞这种方法，潜力巨大。我们的工作发现了一个新的工具，可以使免疫系统到达其应该起作用的地方。

　　Scientists knew Runx3 played a role in developing immune cells, but the latest research suggests the protein can also give marching orders, encouraging the persistence of T cells in tissue where malignancies develop and grow slowly.

　　学家们知道Runx3在发展免疫细胞中其极其重要的作用。而最新的发现暗示，蛋白质也能发起出发令， 引导组织中T细胞坚持工作，使坏细胞延缓发展。

　　We uncovered an unappreciated function for this molecule in setting up a frontline of defense in tissues throughout the body, said Goldrath. "It’s really a repurposing of a protein used in development to regulate the functional properties of the immune system."

　　葛达丝称，我们揭示了该分子未被发现的作用，可以在全身的组织中组建防御线。"这是对分子的再利用，可以更好地管理免疫系统的功能特性。"

　　The latest findings suggest Runx3 programming could be coordinated with other immune boosting treatments to better target and attack cancer. The protein could also be programmed to enhance vaccines against cancer.

　　最新的研究发现，Runx3可以和其他的免疫体合作，更好地治疗癌症。编辑此蛋白还可以增强抵御癌症的疫苗。