A presentation by David Saliba on the body’s natural defence mechanism against cancer cells, entitled ‘White blood cell communication’, will be held tomorrow at 7.30pm.

The presentation is part of Malta Café Scientifique, a series of informal events presented in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of Scientists and Spazju Kreattiv, where anyone can discuss the latest ideas in science and technology. Talks are held on a monthly basis at Studio B, Spazju Kreattiv, St James Cavalier, Valletta.

This first event of the season will focus on white blood cells, which make up part of the immune system responsible for protecting the body against pathogenic invaders like bacteria and viruses. However, their role is much bigger than we may realise, as they are also involved in detecting and killing tumour cells.

Being a genetic disease, cancer is a result of unusual cell production because of a mutation in DNA, which can spread and expand into tumours if remained unchecked. The human body has developed mechanisms to control tumour growth using immune checkpoints. One has proteins in cells that check the DNA for changes or mutations. If any mutations are found, these proteins initiate a self-destructive programme in the affected cells.

Our immune system is also always inspecting the body for cancer cells, and this is where white blood cells come into play. Killer white blood cells, which detect and destroy cancer cells to protect the body from tumour growth, are also able to communicate with each other to clear damaged cells.

Using his research, Dr Saliba will be showing how these white blood cells communicate and also how tumour cells can trick the immune system to shut down, allowing themselves to freely spread.

Further details on the event, attendance to which is free of charge, can be found on Facebook at http://bit.ly/ MCSoct2018. For more information on the Malta Café Scientifique 2018/2019 programme, visit https://www.kreattivita.org/en/malta-cafe-scientifique-2018-19/ .

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