South Korean researchers have developed a new messenger RNA (mRNA) treatment that can replicate the effects of cancer cell therapy within the body. (Image courtesy of KAIST)
DAEJEON, Dec. 12 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korean researchers have developed a new messenger RNA (mRNA) treatment that can replicate the effects of cancer cell therapy within the body, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced on December 11.
Led by Professor Park Ji-ho from the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, the team created an innovative approach to delivering cancer treatment that could potentially replace traditional cell therapy methods, which require extracting, cultivating, and reinjecting living cells to treat intractable diseases such as cancer and dementia.
Following the development of CAR-T cell therapy for blood cancers, researchers have been actively pursuing cell therapies targeting solid tumors. Recent efforts have focused on tumor-infiltrating T cells, which can recognize various tumor antigens and destroy cancer cells, as a promising next-generation treatment for solid tumors.
However, the complex process of isolating tumor-infiltrating T cells from tumor tissue, multiplying them outside the body, and reinjecting them has posed significant development challenges.
The research team overcame these limitations by developing a technique that delivers mRNA lipid nanoparticles directly into tumors. These particles enable the expression of anti-CD3 antibodies on cell membrane surfaces, which are necessary for T cell proliferation.
When tested on various solid tumor animal models, the mRNA treatment effectively eliminated cancer cells without side effects. Notably, the treatment showed enhanced therapeutic effects when combined with PD-1 immunotherapy in melanoma animal models that were previously resistant to immunotherapy alone.
“We’ve proposed a new concept in cancer treatment where mRNA injection into tumors can achieve the same effects as traditional cell therapy, which typically requires lengthy preparation and high costs,” Park explained.
The research findings were published in the international journal ACS Nano on November 11.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
