Can We Use NANOTECHNOLOGY to Transform Our Own Immune Cells into CANCER Serial Killers?

Researchers have proven the development of techniques that activate immune cells, specifically T-cells, to track down and eradicate tumor cells.

They developed a technique for rapidly functionalizing T-cell surfaces without the need for genetic engineering. The study demonstrated the capability to safely eliminate solid tumors in mice. Furthermore, the studies exhibited effectiveness against breast cancer, the most common form of cancer among women.

Researchers designed protein-based nanorings that bind to T-cells. The modified T-cells — known as Prosthetic Antigen Receptors (PAR-T) — quickly and continuously destroy cancer cells upon finding them.

The researchers have proven that they can use the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug Trimethoprim to exchange the nanorings off to assist address potential toxic side effects that may arise with immune cell-based anticancer treatments.

With some success, using the tools of chemical biology and nanotechnology, they'll be able to increase the scope of cancer immunotherapy for the treatment of a number of the toughest cancers we are facing

Researchers are currently working on targeting cancer stem cells, which is key to preventing cancer from recurring. Initial research has shown that a PAR-T cell approach can work in this area, too.

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