Pioneering research led by Chilean scientists merges science fiction and reality, implementing an innovative method to enhance T cells and CAR-T cells, the natural (produced by our body) and artificial (produced in a lab) defenders against cancer, by providing them with mitochondrial supercharge.
CAR-T cells are engineered immune cells modified to express receptors that specifically target cancer cells. This therapy involves extracting T cells from a patient, enhancing them in a clinical-grade laboratory, and reintroducing them to improve their cancer-fighting capabilities.
A team led by scientist Maroun Khoury, director of the IMPACT Center of Excellence at the University of the Andes, discovered that transferring mitochondria (the energy-producing organelles of cells) from mesenchymal stem cells to T cells can significantly boost their survival rates and cancer-fighting ability.
“It’s like turning a standard sedan into a race car. These cells, called ‘Mito-CAR-T,’ not only achieve greater survival but are also equipped for peak performance, enabling them to execute a more efficient attack against cancer cells,” explains the researcher.
Published in the scientific journal “Journal of Translational Medicine”, the study, conducted in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (INCA) of Brazil, highlights how this innovative mitochondrial transfer technique can enhance both natural and engineered T cells, paving the way for advancements in cancer immunotherapy.
“Basically, we are teaching old cells new tricks. By increasing their energy production, we’re giving these T cells a better chance of surviving and overcoming their cancer opponents,” says Maroun Khoury.
This breakthrough addresses one of the main limitations of CAR-T therapy: the short lifespan of modified T cells in patients. Manipulation during manufacturing can cause cell exhaustion, reducing their effectiveness. However, with optimized survival rates thanks to mitochondrial enhancements, these modified immune cells could lead to more durable and effective cancer treatments.
CAR-T cell-based therapies have become one of the most novel and promising treatments in the fight against cancer, even in patients with advanced stages of the disease. However, their high cost and lack of national regulation mean they are still not available in the country, a challenge that IMPACT has decided to take on.