Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed an innovative cancer treatment that seeks to modify the cells of the immune system inside the tumor to fight it.

Their method consists of using lipid nanoparticles filled with RNA and which act on the tumor-associated macrophages, cells of the immune system that can be «corrupted» by the tumor to protect it.

The nanoparticles, which contain antibodies against TREM2 – a protein found in abundance in the membranes of immunosuppressive macrophages – deliver Resiquimod and mRNA that encodes a protein called CXCL9, once they have adhered to these cells.

While Resiquimod acts by modifying the response of these macrophages, the new protein works as a bait to attract CD8+ T lymphocytes to the tumor, where they will unleash their attack.

🐭 The results of the tests in mice were promising, but we are still far from having a treatment against cancer. Although it is a very interesting tool, this therapy is still at the laboratory level and many tests are needed before it can be tried in humans. Among other things, it is necessary to confirm that this therapy does not cause toxic effects and that it really works.

However, what scientists highlight most about this therapy is that it is a new way of thinking about medicine: not only can RNA provide the necessary information to the cells, but in addition, it can modify the immune system.

Even if these results are very promising, there is still a long way to go before being able to use them in the clinic. Thus, it will be necessary to perform numerous tests and trials in humans to confirm that all this works. After all, what works in a mouse may not work in a man.

🔗 References / More information:

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