Lymphocyte expansion molecule
Lymphocyte expansion molecule (LEXM) is a protein discovered in 2015, found to be involved in immune responses (in mice) to some cancers and viruses.
Knapton />{{cite journal |title=The protein LEM promotes CD8+ T cell immunity through effects on mitochondrial respiration |journal=Science |volume=348 |issue=6238 |pages=995–1001 |doi=10.1126/science.aaa7516 |pmid = 25883318|author=Okoye at al. |date=April 2015|doi-access=free |hdl=10044/1/34339 |hdl-access=free }}{{Retracted|doi=10.1126/science.aal5242|pmid=27980177|http://retractionwatch.com/2015/11/17/carelessness-forces-science-to-correct-paper-about-immune-booster/ Retraction Watch|http://retractionwatch.com/2016/12/15/high-profile-science-paper-retracted-misconduct/ Retraction Watch|http://retractionwatch.com/2015/12/22/science-flags-immune-boosting-paper-under-investigation/ Retraction Watch|intentional=yes}} The protein was initially found to be responsible for an increased production of T cells in mice. The original paper has since been retracted upon recommendation of Imperial College's investigators due to concerns about duplication of data.[https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aal5242?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed Retraction. 2016] The protein may be relevant to humans and could be a target for drug discovery.[http://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-highlights/previously-unknown-protein-boosts-immunity-to-cancer-and-viruses/81251164/ Previously Unknown Protein Boosts Immunity to Cancer and Viruses. 2015][https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/gamechanging-new-way-to-fight-cancer-discovered-10183501.html 'Game-changing' new way to fight cancer discovered] Scientists at Imperial College are developing a gene therapy based on this protein.{{cite web |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11542544/Scientists-find-key-to-turbo-charging-immune-system-to-kill-all-cancers.html|title= Scientists find key to 'turbo-charging' immune system to kill all cancers|last= Knapton|first= Sarah|date= 16 April 2015|website= telegraph.co.uk|publisher= The Telegraph|access-date= 8 September 2017}}