Scientists at UCSF have developed a groundbreaking “molecular GPS” system to guide immune cells into the brain, enabling them to target and destroy cancerous tumors without harming healthy tissue. This innovative therapy has demonstrated remarkable success in mice, paving the way for human clinical trials targeting glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer.
Key Features of the Technology 🔬
- Targeted Navigation: Immune cells are programmed with a molecular “zip code” for the brain and a “street address” for the tumor, ensuring precise targeting.
- Dual Detection: The system only activates immune cells after detecting a brain-specific protein (brevican) and a tumor marker, preventing damage to other tissues.
- Sustained Protection: Immune cells continue to eliminate new cancer cells even 100 days post-treatment.
Source: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). For full details, refer to the research in Science (DOI: 10.1126/science.adl4237).
