Researchers at Kanazawa University’s Nano Life Science Institute have developed a novel cancer treatment strategy utilizing engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) to enhance the immune system’s ability to combat tumors. These specialized vesicles, termed antigen-presenting extracellular vesicles (AP-EVs), are designed to activate tumor-infiltrating T cells, thereby boosting their capacity to identify and destroy cancer cells. In preclinical studies involving cell cultures and mouse models, AP-EVs not only stimulated a robust immune response but also transformed immunologically “cold” tumors into “hot” ones, making them more susceptible to immune attack. Notably, when combined with existing immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-1 therapy, the efficacy of the treatment was further enhanced .
This approach offers a targeted alternative to conventional immunotherapies, which often cause widespread immune activation and associated side effects. By delivering immune-activating signals directly to tumor-fighting T cells, AP-EVs minimize collateral damage to healthy tissues. The research team is currently optimizing AP-EVs for clinical trials and exploring their potential application across various cancer types and personalized medicine strategies. Lead researcher Rikinari Hanayama emphasized the significance of this development, stating that employing natural biological tools like EVs could lead to more effective and safer cancer treatments . Click for More Details
