Adelaide Researchers Use Smart Nanoparticles to Reprogram Tumor Immune Cells
A team at the University of Adelaide has developed targeted lipid nanoparticles that deliver mRNA directly to tumor-associated macrophages, reprogramming them to recruit cancer-fighting T cells. Published in Science Advances, the approach uses antibodies to bind TREM2 proteins on macrophages, ensuring precise delivery. In mouse models with aggressive breast cancer, the treatment reduced immunosuppressive macrophages by 63% and increased CXCL9 signals fourfold. While combining the therapy with checkpoint inhibitors did not further shrink tumors, it enhanced T-cell diversity and memory, suggesting potential for durable immune responses. The researchers emphasize this is a proof-of-concept requiring further safety studies before human trials.
