'Juicing' T cells with small molecules enhances immune response against melanoma

(Medical University of South Carolina) Medical University of South Carolina investigators report in the April 20, 2017 JCI Insight that 'juicing' Th17 cells with FDA-approved small moleculeβ-catenin and p110δ inhibitors during in vitro expansion for adoptive T cell therapy profoundly improves their therapeutic properties. 'Juicing' T cells with these drugs enhanced memory stemness, diminished regulatory elements and augmented function in vivo, dramatically enhancing antitumor effectiveness in a mouse model of melanoma. These findings highlight novel avenues for next-generation immunotherapies.
Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news