Chinese scientists develop cancer treatment using modified immune cells

Scientists have presented a new approach to cancer treatment using mast cells, which are immune cells known for their ability to cause allergic reactions.

The scientists are from Zhejiang University and the First Hospital of China Medical University. This was reported by China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.

According to the research team, by inducing controlled allergy-like inflammation directly in the tumour, it is possible to overcome its ability to suppress the body’s immune system.

Instead of responding to allergens, mast cells were modified with special antibodies that target cancer cell proteins.

Once inside the body, these modified mast cells are directed to tumours and, upon contact with them, cause local inflammation.

This allergic-like reaction “heats up” the tumour, making it visible and vulnerable to attack by immune cells that previously could not recognise it.

In addition, scientists have discovered that mast cells can serve as safe carriers for oncolytic viruses – viruses that selectively destroy cancer cells.

These viruses hide inside mast cells, protecting themselves from the immune system in the bloodstream, and are released only when they reach and are activated in the tumour.

Experts noted that this technology opens the door to personalised therapy, allowing treatment to be quickly adapted to a patient’s specific tumour markers.

In the future, this mast cell-based platform could carry not only viruses but also various drugs, proteins or nanomedicines, releasing them directly into tumours, the resource states.

The team plans to actively develop this method for rapid implementation in clinical practice, developing algorithms for personalisation, and studying combinations with existing immunotherapies.