by A new form of immunotherapy is currently under investigation for the treatment of pancreatic cancer that is resistant to conventional T cell therapies. While immunotherapy has been successful in treating certain types of cancer by mobilizing the immune system and activating T cells to target and destroy malignant cells, it is not effective for all forms of the disease.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are exploring the potential of a different type of immunotherapy that targets myeloid cells. Myeloid cells are immune cells that play a crucial role in anti-tumor immune activity. By activating myeloid cells against tumors, researchers are seeing positive results in the treatment of a resistant form of pancreatic cancer.
The strategy involves combining two treatments that activate myeloid cells, specifically targeting the receptors CD40 and dectin-1. In animal-model studies and early human clinical trials, this approach has shown promising results. The researchers found that co-targeting these receptors can unleash a potent antitumor immune response.
In a study published in Science Immunology, the researchers demonstrated that co-activation of dectin-1 and CD40 successfully eradicated established tumors in mouse models of pancreatic cancer that were resistant to checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy. By combining these two treatments, the researchers were able to activate anti-tumor T cell responses that were not achieved with conventional T cell-targeted immunotherapy.
Myeloid cells have the potential to be potent cancer fighters, especially against resistant tumor types. In the analyses, the researchers used systemic β-glucan, a type of immunotherapy, in combination with CD40 agonist antibody therapy. This combination activated anti-tumor T cell responses and overcame the immunosuppressive signals present in the tumor microenvironment.
The study revealed that the antitumor activity of dectin-1/CD40 activation was dependent on T cells but did not require classical T cell-mediated cytotoxicity or blockade of immune checkpoint molecules. Instead, targeting CD40 induced T cell-mediated interferon-gamma signaling, which combined with dectin-1 activation to program distinct macrophage subsets and facilitate tumor responses.
The findings of this study have significant implications for the development of new immunotherapy approaches. By targeting myeloid cell activation pathways, it may be possible to generate strong antitumor immune responses against tumors that are resistant to conventional immunotherapy.
Currently, a clinical trial is underway to study a combination immunotherapy treatment for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The results of this trial will provide valuable insights into the potential of this new approach in treating pancreatic cancer.
In conclusion, this new form of immunotherapy that activates myeloid cells may hold the key to effectively treating pancreatic cancer that resists conventional T cell therapies. By combining treatments that target CD40 and dectin-1 receptors, researchers have demonstrated promising results in animal models and early human clinical trials. This approach has the potential to unlock strong antitumor immune responses and overcome the challenges posed by resistant tumor types.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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