In a pioneering development, scientists at Johns Hopkins University have unveiled an artificial lymph node (aLN) that holds promise in transforming cancer therapy. The technology aims to activate the body’s natural cancer-fighting T cells, potentially eliminating the need for harsh chemotherapy and invasive procedures.
aLN helps stimulate cancer fighting T cells
The aLN was meticulously tested to optimize its effectiveness by adjusting the stiffness and concentration of signals within the scaffold to achieve maximum T cell stimulation. Remarkably, a single injection of aLN particles loaded with cancer antigens led to a substantial expansion of cancer-fighting T cells, up to 11,000 times in some instances, over a span of seven to nine days. These stimulated T cells demonstrated functionality by effectively targeting and killing cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo.
Crucially, the presence of the host’s natural immune system enhanced the efficacy of the aLN. Ongoing observation revealed a dynamic influx of various immune cells within the aLN, fostering a supportive environment for the proliferation of cancer-fighting T cells.
Looking forward, the modular and customizable design of the aLN presents exciting prospects for incorporating additional immune-stimulating drugs and tailoring the platform to different cancer types. Notably, the aLN demonstrated the ability to activate human cancer-fighting T cells in vitro, marking a significant advancement towards clinical application.
Production of aLN touted to be cheaper than CAR-T
Dr. Jonathan Schneck, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, highlights the advantages of the aLN approach over other cell-based therapies, such as CAR-T, citing fewer manufacturing steps.
If proven safe and effective in clinical trials, the aLN could offer a convenient “off-the-shelf” immunotherapy for cancer patients. By simply injecting aLN particles loaded with cancer antigens, doctors could activate the patient’s own T cells within their body, eliminating the need for complex and time-consuming laboratory procedures. This could potentially expand access to cutting-edge cancer immunotherapies.
While further research is warranted, the artificial lymph node represents a significant advancement in leveraging the immune system to combat cancer. By integrating immune engineering directly into patient care, this innovative technology holds tremendous promise for the future of cancer treatment.
