Cancer cells release antioxidants to prevent immune cells from destroying them

Cancer cells release antioxidants to prevent immune cells from destroying them Craig Brierley Thu, 09/03/2026 - 19:00 Now, scientists have discovered that certain immune cells depend on these very molecules to activate and destroy cancer cells, and that tumours exploit this dependency by releasing natural antioxidants to shut down the immune attack. The findings, published today in Science , could help improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies. Our immune system keeps us healthy by hunting down and destroying harmful material, including invading bacteria and viruses, but also cancer