Scientists may have found a way around the limitations of engineered T cells by borrowing a few tricks from cancer itself. By studying mutations in malignant T cells that cause lymphoma, they zeroed in on one that imparted exceptional potency to engineered T cells.
Inserting a gene encoding this unique mutation into normal human T cells made them more than 100 times more potent at killing cancer cells without any signs of becoming toxic. While current immunotherapies work only against cancers of the blood and bone marrow, the engineered T cells were able to kill tumors derived from skin, lung and stomach in mice. The team has already begun working toward testing this new approach in people.
While current immunotherapies work only against cancers of the blood and bone marrow, the T cells engineered by Northwestern and UCSF were able to kill tumors derived from skin, lung and stomach in mice. The team has already begun working toward testing this new approach in people. Not only does this impair the ability of regular T cells to target cancer cells, it undermines the effectiveness of the engineered T cells that are used in immunotherapies, which quickly tire against the tumor's defenses.
"Our discoveries empower T cells to kill multiple cancer types," said Choi, a member of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University."This approach performs better than anything we've seen before." Their discoveries can be incorporated into treatments for many types of cancer, the scientists said.
"We see this as the starting point," Roybal said."There's so much to learn from nature about how we can enhance these cells and tailor them to different types of diseases."
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Using Generative AI as a Lie Detector and the FTC's Concerns on Mental Health ChatbotsThis article discusses the use of generative AI as a lie detector and the potential concerns of the FTC regarding mental health chatbots that promise miracle cures. It highlights the impact of computational power on various aspects of society and the evolution of computing models.
Read more »
Scientists Solve Long-Standing Block Copolymer Research ConundrumResearchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) have solved a long-standing block copolymer research problem through polymer chain end modifications. The study has achieved tangible manifestations of intricate polymer structures that were previously only theoretical, garnering substantial academic attention. The findings have been published in a journal article, sparking considerable interest within academic circles.
Read more »
Empress Of: Using Songs as Manifestation Tools for Something BetterEmpress Of, the alt pop artist, is using songs as manifestation tools for something better, moving past heartache and embracing a lighter side of her personality.
Read more »
Using Silicon to Control Artificial IntelligenceResearchers are exploring ways to encode rules governing the training and deployment of advanced algorithms directly into computer chips to limit the potential harm caused by AI systems.
Read more »
Alabama Executes Inmate Using Nitrogen GasAlabama becomes the first U.S. state to execute a person using nitrogen gas, killing 58-year-old Kenneth Smith after the Supreme Court rejects his appeal. Smith was convicted for a murder-for-hire killing in 1988.
Read more »
Billions Facing Clean Water Crisis By 2050, Scientists Warn — Here’s WhyI am a senior reporter for the Forbes breaking news team, covering health and science from the London office. Previously I worked as a reporter for a trade publication covering big data and law and as a freelance journalist and policy analyst covering science, tech and health.
Read more »