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A New Combined Therapy to Boost the Immune System Against Cancer
Researchers at Chiba University have tested a new cancer immunotherapy approach that combines iNKT cells derived from stem cells with antigen-presenting cells (APCs).
iNKT cells can activate the immune system to attack cancer, but cancer patients usually do not have enough of these cells. To overcome this problem, scientists produced the cells in the laboratory using reprogrammed stem cells (iPSCs).
In experiments on mice with a human-like immune system, the combination of lab-grown iNKT cells and APCs containing αGalCer suppressed tumor growth more effectively than other treatments. The results showed that the therapy does not directly destroy cancer cells; instead, it stimulates the immune system to mount a stronger response against tumors.
The researchers also discovered that this method generates memory T cells — immune cells capable of remembering cancer and attacking it again in the future. Removing these cells significantly reduced the treatment’s effectiveness, confirming their key role.
According to the researchers, this approach could lead to personalized therapies for hard-to-treat cancers in the future. A clinical trial is currently underway for patients with advanced head and neck cancer.
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