Mollusk Blood Could Cure Cancer

Researchers have recently found that an unusually large protein in the limpet’s hemolymph can invoke a strong immune response in humans. Substances similar to KLH, the protien in question, have been made. However, they carry unpleasant side effects. KLH on the other hand is non-toxic. If one were to put markers for a certain cancer on this protein, the body may grow immune to that specific protein, and therefore grow immune to that cancer. There are other applications with this as well. One can put chemicals found in drugs on this protein and create a treatment for drug users. Right now, the protien is too big and complicated to synthesize. So the only way to get is from the animal itself. This unfortunately kills the animal in the extraction process. Hopefully, there will be a new extraction process or a new way to synthesize proteins of this caliber in the future.