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New technique improves T cell-based immunotherapies for solid tumors
Scripps Research scientists help T cells more effectively kill solid tumors cells in vitro and in mice by tweaking an existing cancer immunotherapy. May 01, 2024 LA JOLLA, CA—Scientists from Scripps Research have enhanced an existing immunotherapy by removing the sugar coating surrounding solid tumors—such as in melanoma, breast, and prostate cancer—so T cells can more effectively kill tumor cells.
To remove this sialic acid barrier, the research team fused the enzyme sialidase onto cancer therapy agents called bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) molecules. “Solid tumors form a microenvironment around themselves that is immunosuppressive,” says senior author Peng Wu, PhD, a professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine at Scripps Research. In addition to Wu and Yang, authors of the study, “Targeted desialylation and cytolysis of tumour cells by fusing a sialidase to a bispecific T-cell engager,” include Yingqin Hou, Geramie Grande, Chao Wang, Yujie Shi, Jaroslav Zak, Yue Wan, Ke Qin, John R. Teijaro, and the late Richard A. Lerner of Scripps Research; and Jong Hyun Cho and Dongfang Liu of Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School.
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