New approaches from MIE University and Sysmex Corporation in Japan are new ways to improve the effectiveness of promising cancer treatments. The study, led by Dr. Hiroyuki Hiratsuka, Dr. Yasushi Akahori, Dr. Shigo Maeta, Dr. Yuriko Egashira and the late Dr. Hiroshi Shiku, provides new insights on how chimeric antigen receptors are more sensitive to cancer targets. The study, published in the Journal of Biochemistry, could perfect immunotherapy to address even difficult-to-treat cancer cells.
Dr. Shiku’s team describes chimeric antigen receptors as customized molecules designed to help immune cells recognize and attack cancer cells. Immune cells, also known as T cells, play a crucial role in defending the body against infection and disease. However, the scarcity of cancer-specific markers on tumors often limits the effectiveness of these therapies. “Our work focuses on overcoming these challenges by adjusting how chimeric antigen receptors bind to the target,” explains Dr. Shiku. The study highlights the importance of rapid binding rates – how rapidly these receptors are on their targets – Improves the ability of these immune cells to detect and kill cancer cells with few labels.
This study used a system for proteins that are common in certain tumors but rarely in healthy tissues. Proteins are essential molecules that perform a wide range of functions in the body, including as markers for cancer detection. The researchers used SYSMEX’s antibody engineering technology, which allows the use of multiple automobiles with different affinities, thus creating six versions of chimeric antigen receptors, each with unique properties and tested them for identification and disruption. Effects of cancer cells. Even in the case of sparse cancer markers (longer treatment disorders), immune cells equipped with faster receptors exhibit faster performance.
The findings of this study reveal a close link between the extent of binding of these receptors to targets and the effectiveness of killing cancer cells. Binding refers to the process of receptor attachment to specific markers on cells, allowing immune cells to recognize and attack harmful cells. Receptors with enhanced binding rates not only destroy cancer cells faster, but also avoid attacking healthy cells. “This strategy allows us to leverage rapid binding while minimizing adverse effects,” Dr Hiratsuka noted.
The implications of this study go far beyond current findings. By fine-tuning the binding behavior of chimeric antigen receptors, scientists can better target cancers displayed on the cell surface. These proteins work like signs on the surface of cancer cells, helping the immune system recognize them. This advance opened the door to treating cancers that were previously considered distant.
The experiments of Dr. Shiku and colleagues also highlighted the accuracy value of designing these therapies. In this case, accuracy means customizing the processing of unique characteristics specific to cancer cells. By combining laboratory results with advanced computer models, they gained a detailed understanding of how binding behavior affects the sensitivity of these engineered immune cells. “Our findings provide a roadmap for designing treatments that are both functional and safe,” said Dr. Shiku.
Even with these advances, the researchers stressed the need for further research to apply these findings to the real world. The actual environment refers to practical environments such as hospitals and clinics that use these therapies. They plan to explore ways to adapt their discoveries to different types of cancer and test therapies in living organisms. Dr. Shiku added: “This study not only enhances our understanding of these treatments, but also lays the foundation for personalized approaches to cancer care.”
This work by Dr. Shiku’s team highlights the changing potential of chimeric antigen receptor therapy in cancer treatment. By increasing the accuracy and effectiveness of these custom immune cells, the research brings the medical community closer to the full potential of fighting cancer.
Journal Reference
Hiroyuki Hiratsuka, Yasushi Akahori, Shingo Maeta, Yuriko Egashira, Hiroshi Shiku. “The rapid rate of chimeric antigen receptors enhances sensitivity to peptide MHCs through antigen restructuring.” Journal of Biochemistry, 2024. DOI:
