Researchers from the University of Manchester in the UK have found that a small group of immune cells that aren’t given much attention by scientists is actually crucial in mobilizing the immune system to attack and sustain its fight against cancer.
The study, whose findings appeared in the journal Immunity, explored what impact the activation or deactivation of these particular immune cells would have on the body’s response to cancer.
For their study, the team designed mouse models in which it was possible to label or actually remove activated dendritic cells. Until this particular study was undertaken, it was hard for the research community to study the role of these cells during the cancer fight. This was because no appropriate model existed to focus on how these immune cells functioned.
When the researchers removed these dendritic cells in the models, they observed that the immune system was unable to mount a robust attack against cancer and the T cells couldn’t sustain an effective anti-cancer effect even after entering a tumor. The impact of immunotherapy was also weakened in the absence of activated dendritic cells.
Maria Koufakis, the first author of the study, explained that immunotherapies work best when the immune system can mount a robust and sustained attack against cancer. However, some patients don’t respond to these immunotherapies and scientists couldn’t definitively explain why this was happening.
Koufakis added that their work could help in boosting the functioning of dendritic cells so that the efficacy of immunotherapy is boosted and patients whose cancers had proved unresponsive to these treatments can turn around and benefit from the therapies.
The models developed by the University of Manchester team pave the way for additional studies to be conducted on how dendritic cells can be leveraged to improve patient outcomes when immunotherapy is administered. The models could also help in studies investigating the role of dendritic cells in autoimmune conditions, infections and other diseases.
As this group of immune cells that had previously received limited attention from researchers undergoes extensive investigation, there may be no limit to how far-reaching the benefits of harnessing these cells in the fight against cancer and other diseases could reach.
It would be interesting to see what would happen if enterprises like Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc. (NYSE American: CLDI) that are running research and development programs aimed at commercializing immunotherapies against cancer incorporate activated dendritic cells within their workflows as they test their innovations.
About BioMedWire
BioMedWire (“BMW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on the latest developments in the Biotechnology (BioTech), Biomedical Sciences (BioMed) and Life Sciences sectors. It is one of 75+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, BMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, BMW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness.
BMW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.
To receive SMS alerts from BioMedWire, “Biotech” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.BioMedWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the BioMedWire website applicable to all content provided by BMW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.BioMedWire.com/Disclaimer
BioMedWire
Austin, Texas
www.BioMedWire.com
512.354.7000 Office
Editor@BioMedWire.com
BioMedWire is powered by IBN
UC San Francisco-based scientists have developed a new immunotherapy that was successful in wiping out…
Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment, but the approach still faces challenges like lengthy preparation time…
The palpable euphoria surrounding the election of Democratic healthcare professionals to key positions in the…
When a person develops a serious dental infection, the pain can be excruciating, particularly when…
Disseminated on behalf of Adaptogenics Health Corp.and may include paid advertising. The federal government is…
The scale of the need for neurological solutions is enormous; the World Health Organization reports…