March 28, 2024

New magnetic nanoparticles boost cancer immunotherapy

New magnetic nanoparticles boost cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have developed a magnetic nanocomplex that, when interacting with the shell of immune cells, enhances their ability to destroy malignant tumors.

Most modern immunotherapy drugscancers target T cells, which are part of the adaptive immune system of the human body. However, this treatment is time-consuming, expensive, and associated with severe side effects.

Many scientists are also exploring the possibility of using NK cells (natural killer cells).innate immune system and very quicklyreact to infected or tumor cells, destroying them. Despite the high efficiency of NK cells, they are practically useless against large tumors with a thick layer of barrier tissue through which it is difficult for them to penetrate.

Now scientists from Northwestern Universitydeveloped a magnetic nanocomplex that binds to natural killer cells and, under the action of an alternating magnetic field, promotes the secretion of cytotoxic compounds on their outer membrane. By testing these nanoparticles on hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) samples from animals, the researchers found that magnetic activation increased the ability of NK cells to kill malignant tumors, even when injected into large enough lesions.

In addition, the developed nanocomplex is easyis visualized on magnetic resonance imaging, which allows you to accurately track the distribution of immune cells during and after injection. The team hopes this will increase the effectiveness of cancer treatments.

Last year, scientists discovered a protein that converts cancer cells into normal body tissues without additional treatment.

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