Beijing, 12 January (SANA) Chinese researchers have developed recently an innovative molecular therapy, an “intratumoral vaccine,” that stimulates the body’s immune memory to attack cancer cells. This new approach to cancer treatment offers hope for the future.
According to a study by scientists from the Shenzhen Bay Laboratory and Peking University, the new therapy prevents cancer cells from suppressing immune functions and redirects pre-existing immune memory to more effectively target tumors.
The researchers noted that current immunotherapies are ineffective for some patients, particularly those whose immune systems fail to recognise malignant cells due to a low mutation burden and the resulting scarcity of new antigens.
To address this challenge, the research team focused on a largely underutilised immune resource: bystander T cells. These cells are generated in response to previous infections, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), and remain dormant while retaining immune memory in most adults.
The scientists proposed that tumors could be made to display CMV-related antigens to mobilise the abundant memory T cells and mount a powerful immune attack against cancer.
Chen Peng, a Shenzhen Bay Laboratory researcher, said the team is developing translational molecules based on the study’s demonstrated mechanism, aiming to advance the technology toward future clinical trials.
R.H
