For the first time, it has been shown how immune cells destroy cancer: a difference in effectiveness.

According to ТСН: Biologists have for the first time been able to visually trace how immune cells destroy cancerous tumors, discovering that different types of cells fight cancer in different ways. Some respond quickly, but their action is not always effective, while others start to act with a delay, but their destructive impact is significantly stronger.

This is reported by a study published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering. It presents a new method for analyzing the interaction of immune cells with tumors, which could enhance the effectiveness and personalization of cancer immunotherapy.

Observing Tumor Destruction

Researchers compared two types of immunotherapy:

• Immunotherapy using cells obtained directly from the patient's tumor.
• Modified T-lymphocytes (CAR-T therapy).

Experiments were conducted on cultures of liver and mammary gland cancer cells. Researchers employed a comprehensive approach, combining:

• Microscopy to visualize cell interactions;

• Raman spectroscopy to analyze light scattering in samples;

• Impedance spectroscopy to assess the electrical conductivity of cells and changes in their vitality.

Differences in Immune Cell Action

It was found that cells isolated from the tumor begin to act immediately upon contact with cancer cells. They suppress the production of lactic acid during glycolysis, which reduces tumor aggressiveness, and alter membrane lipids and cytoplasmic proteins.

In contrast, CAR-T cells start to influence tumor metabolism with a delay, which hinders the destruction of cancer cells and gives them a better chance of survival in the early stages of therapy. Thus, researchers identified a key difference: immune cells from within tumors are more active but inflict non-lethal damage, while CAR-T cells act more slowly, but their impact is more destructive.

The results of the study indicate that different types of immune cells have their own mechanisms for fighting cancer. This allows for better adaptation of personalized immunotherapy for patients, reducing risks and improving treatment effectiveness.

Visualization of liver cancer cells after three types of immunotherapy showed that:

• Cells penetrating the tumor immediately interact with cancer cells, reducing their aggressiveness.

• CAR-T cells start acting later, but with a stronger destructive effect.

• Conventional T-lymphocytes demonstrate less effective action at early stages.

These findings could significantly influence the development of new treatment methods that take into account specific tumor types and individual patient characteristics. The importance of personalized immunotherapy is becoming increasingly evident as research continues to uncover new possibilities for combating this complex disease.