A study led by Professor Sebyung Kang and Professor Sung Ho Park in the Department of Biological Sciences at UNIST has unveiled a remarkable breakthrough in cancer treatment. The research team has successfully developed unprecedented “NK cell-engaging nanodrones” capable of selectively targeting and eliminating cancer cells, offering a potential solution for intractable types of cancers.
These groundbreaking NKeNDs simultaneously display cancer-targeting ligands, such as HER2Afb or EGFRAfb, and NK cell-recruiting ligands, aCD16Nb, on the surface of the AaLS through the SpyCatcher/SpyTag protein ligation system. The dual ligand-displaying NKeNDs, named HER2 @NKeND and EGFR@NKeND, have demonstrated the ability to selectively bind to HER2-overexpressing SK-OV-3 cells and EGFR-overexpressing MDA-MB-468 cells, respectively, as well as human NK cells.
The physical engagement of human NK cells with the target cancer cells mediated by the NKeNDs activates the NK cells, enabling them to eliminate the target cancer cells in vitro effectively. Remarkably, in SK-OV-3 tumor-bearing mice, the administration of HER2 @NKeNDs along with human PBMCs facilitates the infiltration of activated human NK cells into the tumor sites. As a result, tumor growth is significantly suppressed without causing noticeable side effects.
This study showcases a novel approach to developing cancer-specific NK cell engagers by utilizing protein cage nanoparticles and recombinant cancer cell binders. It offers tremendous potential for the selective treatment of previously intractable types of cancers.
Professor Kang Se-byung expressed his excitement about the study, stating, “This research presents new possibilities for immune treatment through NK cell delivery nanodrones, overcoming challenges such as the movement and survival of NK cells. We aim to provide new opportunities for customized treatments that selectively address various types of cancer through further research, including cancer-specific immune cell induction.”
The study is published in the journal Nano Today.
News
Needle-Free: New Nano-Vaccine Effective Against All COVID-19 Variants
A new nano-vaccine developed by TAU and the University of Lisbon offers a needle-free, room-temperature-storable solution against COVID-19, targeting all key variants effectively. Professor Ronit Satchi-Fainaro’s lab at Tel Aviv University’s Faculty of Medical and [...]
Photoacoustic PDA-ICG Nanoprobe for Detecting Senescent Cells in Cancer
A study in Scientific Reports evaluated a photoacoustic polydopamine-indocyanine green (PDA-ICG) nanoprobe for detecting senescent cells. Senescent cells play a role in tumor progression and therapeutic resistance, with potential adverse effects such as inflammation and tissue [...]
How Dysregulated Cell Signaling Causes Disease
Cell signaling is crucial for cells to communicate and function correctly. Disruptions in these pathways, caused by genetic mutations or environmental factors, can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, improper immune responses, or errors in [...]
Scientists Develop Super-Strong, Eco-Friendly Plastic That Bacteria Can Eat
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute have developed a biodegradable composite material that could play a significant role in addressing the global plastic waste crisis. Billions of tons of plastic waste clutter our planet. Most [...]
Building a “Google Maps” for Biology: Human Cell Atlas Revolutionizes Medicine
New research from the Human Cell Atlas offers insights into cell development, disease mechanisms, and genetic influences, enhancing our understanding of human biology and health. The Human Cell Atlas (HCA) consortium has made significant [...]
Bioeconomic Potential: Scientists Just Found 140 Reasons to Love Spider Venom
Researchers at the LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG) have discovered a significant diversity of enzymes in spider venom, previously overshadowed by the focus on neurotoxins. These enzymes, found across 140 different families, [...]
Quantum Algorithms and the Future of Precision Medicine
Precision medicine is reshaping healthcare by tailoring treatments to individual patients based on their unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. At the forefront of this revolution, the integration of quantum computing and machine learning [...]
Scientists Have Discovered a Simple Supplement That Causes Prostate Cancer Cells To Self-Destruct
Menadione, a vitamin K precursor, shows promise in slowing prostate cancer in mice by disrupting cancer cell survival processes, with potential applications for human treatment and myotubular myopathy therapy. Prostate cancer is a quiet [...]
Scientists reveal structural link for initiation of protein synthesis in bacteria
Within a cell, DNA carries the genetic code for building proteins. To build proteins, the cell makes a copy of DNA, called mRNA. Then, another molecule called a ribosome reads the mRNA, translating it [...]
Vaping Isn’t Safe: Scientists Uncover Alarming Vascular Risks
Smoking and vaping impair vascular function, even without nicotine, with the most significant effects seen in nicotine-containing e-cigarettes. Researchers recommend avoiding both for better health. Researchers have discovered immediate impacts of cigarette and e-cigarette [...]
Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir for PrEP Reduces HIV Infections by 96%
Twice-yearly injections of the capsid inhibitor drug lenacapavir can prevent the vast majority of HIV infections, according to a Phase 3 clinical trial published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. HIV pre-exposure [...]
Did Social Distancing Begin 6,000 Years Ago? Neolithic Villagers May Have Invented It
Social distancing may have roots 6,000 years ago, as research shows Neolithic villages like Nebelivka used clustered layouts to control disease spread. The phrase “social distancing” became widely recognized in recent years as people [...]
Decoding Alzheimer’s: The Arctic Mutation’s Role in Unusual Brain Structures
Researchers have uncovered how certain genetic mutations lead to unique spherical amyloid plaques in inherited forms of Alzheimer’s, offering insights that could advance our understanding of the disease and improve therapeutic strategies. An international collaboration [...]
How Your “Lizard Brain” Fuels Overthinking and Social Anxiety
New research by Northwestern Medicine reveals how humans have evolved advanced brain regions to interpret others’ thoughts, connecting these areas with the amygdala, a part of the brain involved in emotional processing. Study sought [...]
How Did Life Begin? Researchers Discover Game-Changing Clue
New research offers a potential explanation for the formation of early Earth protocells. Few questions have captivated humankind more than the mystery of life’s origins on Earth. How did the first living cells emerge? [...]
Printable organic X-ray sensors may transform treatment for cancer patients
An international research team, led by the University of Wollongong (UOW), has found wearable organic X-ray sensors could offer safer radiotherapy protocols for cancer patients. More than 400 people are diagnosed with cancer every [...]
