Researchers Elucidate Transfer Pathway of Immune System Substances

Summary
Researchers Stefanie Herda and Dr. Armin Rehm and immunologist Dr. Uta Hopken have discovered the importance of the role of the receptor protein Sortilin in the immune system. In the immune system, a substance called interferon-gamma is used to help identify diseased cells and increase immune cell activity. Interferon-gamma is transported to parts of the cell by the Golgi apparatus but requires the help of Sortilin. Without Sortilin, interferon-gamma cannot be transported throughout the cell, which weakens the immune system. However, another molecule called granzyme A is more effective in killing diseased cells than interferon-gamma, and Sortilin disturbs its transport routes, causing it to be less efficient. This shows that Sortilin affects the immune system of cells in both positive and negative ways. But according to an experiment done on mice with no Sortilin, the immune system resulted in being weaker than it was with Sortilin, proving that having more granzyme A doesnt make up for having less interferon-gamma.
Relevance 
This article is connected to the biology curriculum because we are learning about cells and their organelles. This piece contains information about immune system cells and the Golgi apparatus. Also, we are learning about receptor proteins, and the article is about Sortilin, which is a receptor protein.

Article found from:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121018123048.htm 

Bibliography:
Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine. "Researchers elucidate transport pathway of  immune system substances." ScienceDaily, 18 Oct. 2012. Web. 28 Oct. 2012.