The waste system of living cells, the proteasome, not only shreds disused or damaged proteins. It also supports the immune system in recognizing virally infected or cancerous cells by producing so-called immunopeptides. Researchers headed by Juliane Liepe have now simulated protein degradation by the proteasome in the laboratory and identified peptides thereby produced. In future, the resulting data could help predict immunopeptides and develop new vaccines against infectious diseases or cancer.
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