科学家们发现了蛋白质Runx3的一项新功能。他们的研究显示，该蛋白可以操纵以提升免疫系统，抵御癌症。
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.
人体免疫系统最主要的卫士就是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细胞异常相似。实验表明，Runx3可指示出它们的存在。
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.
科学家们认为，该蛋白质可以用来引导T细胞在疾病抗争最前线--也就是癌细胞和肿瘤最可能生长的地方，与癌细胞做斗争。
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.
科学家们在《自然》杂志上详述了他们的突破。
Scientists detailed their breakthrough in the journal Nature.
分子生物学家阿曼达·葛达丝称：“现在，我们认为这种使免疫系统针对癌细胞的方法，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。”
"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.
科学家们知道Runx3在发育免疫细胞的过程中起到了很重要的作用，但最新研究表明，该蛋白质还能发起出发令，引导组织中T细胞坚持工作，使恶性肿瘤发展的更慢一些。
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.