2015 年 35 巻 4 号 p. 203-209
The circulating protein apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM) is incorporated into normal hepatocytes and inhibits lipid storage within them, thereby decreasing liver steatosis. In contrast, AIM accumulates on the surface of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and induces elimination of the cells, thereby preventing HCC tumor development. Based on these findings, we hypothesize the presence of a set of circulating proteins that specifically mark biological garbage, such as cancer cells, dead cell debris, or degenerated proteins/cells, and promote efficient elimination of such undesired substances, thereby preventing progression to multiple diseases. We propose designating these marker proteins as “soluble scavenger proteins” (SSPs), and their potential therapeutic application to various refractory diseases.