What's Happening?
Nature Communications has launched a collection focused on immune cell engineering for cancer therapy, highlighting recent advancements in the field. The collection includes research on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies, which have transformed the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, their application in solid tumors remains challenging. The collection also explores alternative immune-engineering approaches, such as direct in vivo immune cell engineering and tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL)-based therapy, which has received FDA approval as the first cellular therapy for solid tumors. The journals involved in the collection are seeking submissions of primary research papers that propose new engineering strategies and therapeutic developments.
Why It's Important?
The collection underscores the ongoing efforts to expand the application of immune cell engineering beyond hematological cancers to solid tumors. This research is crucial for developing new cancer therapies that can effectively target and treat solid tumors, which have been more resistant to current treatments. The advancements in immune cell engineering have the potential to revolutionize cancer therapy, offering new hope for patients with solid tumors. The collection also highlights the importance of collaboration between leading scientific journals to advance research in this critical area.
What's Next?
The collection invites researchers to submit their work on immune cell engineering for cancer therapy, with a focus on preclinical studies and new therapeutic developments. The participating journals aim to publish high-quality clinical research that can contribute to the advancement of cancer treatment. As the field continues to evolve, researchers are expected to explore innovative strategies to overcome the challenges of treating solid tumors, potentially leading to groundbreaking therapies.
Beyond the Headlines
The collection reflects the growing interest in immune cell engineering as a promising approach to cancer therapy. By extending CAR technology to other immune cells, such as NK cells and macrophages, researchers are exploring new avenues for treatment. The approval of TIL-based therapy for solid tumors marks a significant milestone, indicating progress in overcoming the barriers to treating these types of cancers. The collection serves as a platform for sharing cutting-edge research and fostering collaboration among scientists in the field.
