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WASHINGTON – US researchers have reported in preclinical models that they can boost the immune responses of macrophages against cancer by using a self-assembled supramolecule.
A study published Monday in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering showed that macrophages digest particles and pathogens, provide a first line of defense against bacteria and viruses, and can also help destroy cancer cells.
Macrophages play a paradoxical role, with anti-tumorigenic M1s
In addition, tumors can send a "eat me" signal that deceives M1 macrophages by letting them be, and in this way, Pro-tumorigenic macrophages can make up 30 to 50% of a tumor's mass. The researchers developed a dual-attack treatment to eliminate these mechanisms.
They reprogrammed M2 into M1 by inhibiting the M2 signaling pathway, re-educating macrophages and inhibiting the "do not eat me" protein. To address both the "re-education" M2 problem and to improve the ability of macrophages to eat tumor cells, the researchers used what they call a bi-functional "punch" or "one-two" ". They used a supramolecular system that self-organizes at the nanoscale to deliver an antibody inhibitor plus a drug to the inside of the tumor.
"It's the first time that any one combines these two, a drug that targets M2 macrophages and an antibody that inhibits signal," in a delivery system, "said Ashish Kulkarni at the Department. of Chemical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. "We have tested it in preclinical models of melanoma cancer and breast cancer, and we plan to try out different types of cancer and in combination with other current therapies like T-cell therapies, "says Kulkarni.
Mice that were not treated formed large tumors at day 10, mice treated with therapies currently available had reduced tumor growth, but mice treated with the new supramolecular therapy showed complete inhibition of tumor growth
Shiladitya Sengupta, co-author of the document at Br. igham and Women's Hospital, said, "We can actually see macrophages eating cancer cells," citing images of confocal microscopy in the article that shows macrophages. encompassing cancer cells.
Kulkarni said the next steps are to continue testing the new therapy in preclinical models to assess safety, efficacy, and dosage. [19659002] The supramolecular therapy they conceived has been licensed and they hope to move treatment into clinical trials if preclinical testing continues to show promise.
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