What's Happening?
Researchers at MIT and Stanford University have developed a novel immunotherapy approach aimed at enhancing the immune system's ability to attack cancer cells. This new strategy involves reversing a 'brake'
mechanism that cancer cells use to evade immune responses. The brake is controlled by sugar molecules known as glycans on the surface of cancer cells. By blocking these glycans with molecules called lectins, the researchers have shown a significant boost in the immune system's response to cancer cells. They created multifunctional molecules known as AbLecs, which combine a lectin with a tumor-targeting antibody, to achieve this effect. The research, led by Jessica Stark and Carolyn Bertozzi, suggests that this approach could offer new treatment options for many cancer patients.
Why It's Important?
This development is significant as it represents a potential breakthrough in cancer treatment, particularly for patients who do not respond to existing immunotherapy drugs. Current immunotherapy drugs, such as checkpoint inhibitors, work by blocking interactions between proteins like PD-1 and PD-L1, but they are not effective for all patients. The new approach targets glycans, which are known to suppress immune responses in various tumor types. By lifting this suppression, the new therapy could enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments and provide long-lasting remission for a broader range of patients. This could lead to more personalized and effective cancer therapies, improving outcomes for many patients.
What's Next?
The researchers are planning to further develop their AbLec molecules and hope to begin clinical trials within the next two to three years. They have started a company, Valora Therapeutics, to advance this work. The next steps will involve testing the safety and efficacy of these molecules in human trials, with the aim of bringing a new class of cancer immunotherapies to market. If successful, this could revolutionize the way cancer is treated, offering new hope to patients who have limited options with current therapies.
