MIT Nanoparticles Turn Immune Cells Into Cancer Fighters

Cambridge: Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed tiny particles, called nanoparticles, that reprogram immune cells directly inside the body so they attack cancer and harmful immune cells. In experiments on mice, the treatment eliminated tumours and reversed liver damage.

The research was published in the journal Nature Biotechnology. Professor Robert Langer of MIT also contributed to the study. To help the nanoparticles reach the right immune cells, the scientists coated them with small pieces of antibodies.

Today, many advanced immune therapies require removing a patient’s cells, changing them in a laboratory and returning them to the body, which is slow and very expensive. The researchers say their method could make such treatments much simpler and cheaper, and could also help treat autoimmune diseases.

The results so far come only from mice. Further research and human trials will be needed before the method can be used in hospitals.