T cells from thymus organoids
An unlimited source of "raw materials" for cancer immunotherapy has been found
Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+
American scientists have lifted the limit on the production of mature immune cells to fight the tumor. In addition to cancer immunotherapy, this opens up new opportunities to fight HIV and other dangerous diseases.
(Article by Montel-Hagen et al. Organoid-Induced Differentiation of Conventional T Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells is published in the journal Cell Stem Cell – VM.)
Scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles (USA) have developed a method for unlimited production of mature T cells from pluripotent stem cells (embryonic or induced). These cells fight infections and cancer, which opens up great opportunities for new approaches in treatment, according to the university's website (UCLA scientists create a renewable source of cancer-fighting T cells).
The technology uses an artificial environment of the thymus: the organoid works by simulating the environment of the thymus gland, where T cells develop from stem cells. Within the three-dimensional structure of the organoid, optimal conditions have been created for the cells to develop into fully functional ones.
Figure from an article in Cell Stem Cell – VM.
This approach can be combined with gene editing tools to produce an unlimited supply of T cells for treatment without using the patient's own resources.
Today, immunotherapy using own T-cells is expensive and not always effective. The reason is that it either lacks its own cells, or the latter are not fully functional. The new technique solves both of these problems.
"The emergence of the possibility of unlimited production of T cells to fight various types of tumors is a turning point in cancer treatment," says study co-author Amelie Montel–Hagen.
On the way to implementing the technology, the team will have to solve an important problem. Synthesized T cells have additional molecules on the surface that do not correspond to each individual patient. These factors can lead to a rejection reaction.
The next stage for researchers is the development of universal T–cell therapy.
The discovery of scientists includes two key principles of modern cancer control – the method of immunotherapy and the use of organoids. According to experts, these are the two most important trends in cancer research in the coming year.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru