Khaberni - Researchers from the University of California developed a device that works as a "charging station" for engineered immune cells, allowing the body to combat cancer more effectively.
The latest study results were published in the journal "Nature Biomedical Engineering", showing that the device maintains the immune cells' activity longer inside tumors.
The technology relies on "CAR-iNKT" cells, which are genetically modified natural killer cells re-targeted to tumors, and which typically lose their effectiveness quickly once inside the body, especially within tumors that suppress immunity.
The implanted device attracts these cells close to the tumor site, where they receive continuous activation signals from microparticles that mimic the nature of the body, loaded with the TCR antigen molecule and capsules containing the auxiliary protein IL-15 to support proliferation and continued function.
Song Li, a professor of bioengineering at the University of California and a leader in the study, said, "Instead of providing a single boost, the device offers continuous signals that help the cells stay active, proliferate, and develop long-term memory."
The device resembles the idea of connecting a phone to a charger, where the immune cells receive the necessary energy to return to attack mode and destroy cancer cells.
Researchers noted that the recharged cells not only operated at the tumor site but also spread through the bloodstream to kill cancer cells throughout the body, indicating a promising systemic effect.
Lily Yang, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the university, said: "The new approach enhances the sustainability and effectiveness of CAR-iNKT cells in solid tumor models and leukemia models, and provides a novel strategy to strengthen cellular immunotherapies and expand their clinical potential."
The team focused on achieving the perfect balance: Overstimulation may exhaust the cells, and insufficient support makes them lose their effectiveness quickly. The researchers also concentrated on localizing the signals near the tumor site to avoid potential side-effects from activating immunity throughout the body, a significant improvement compared to previous strategies that relied on dispersed activating drugs or proteins.
Initial animal trials showed good biocompatibility for the device, and the team continues to work on improving the design and studying its potential to support other types of immune therapies.
