‘Super natural killer cells’ engineered to target tumors
Original story from The University of Queensland (Brisbane, Australia).
A cancer-targeting antibody that helps the body’s immune cells spot and destroy hard-to-treat tumors such as triple-negative breast cancer has been developed by researchers.
The University of Queensland’s (Brisbane, Australia) Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes said the antibody recognizes a unique part of the ROR1 protein, which is found on many aggressive cancers but rarely on healthy cells.
“The antibody precisely targets cancer cells, helping the immune system kill cancer more effectively while aiming to spare healthy tissue,’’ Guimaraes explained. “This could translate to treatments that are both more effective and gentler.’’
Guimaraes, whose group at the Frazer Institute (Brisbane, Australia) led the research, said the new antibody activated natural killer (NK) cells – a type of immune cell that destroys tumors.
The researchers found the antibody worked best when combined with treatment that blocked a cancer immuno-suppressing signal – Transforming Growth Factor-beta or TGF-β.
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“We engineered ‘super NK cells’ to boost cancer control,’’ Guimaraes said. “By giving NK cells a genetic upgrade and making them resistant to TGF-β, we created enhanced immune cells that were able to find and destroy ROR1-positive tumors more efficiently in both laboratory and animal models. Triple negative breast cancer is an aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancer, with limited effective therapeutic options currently available. Our results open the door to new immunotherapy options, including an upgraded version of NK cells that are better at finding and killing cancer.’’
Guimaraes added the results provide a foundation for future research into clinical applications.
“If successful in people, this approach could improve survival and quality of life by shrinking tumors with fewer side effects than some current therapies,’’ he concluded. “In practical terms this could lead to clinical trials and, longer term, new treatment choices for patients who currently have few.’’
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