A new study shows Gamma delta T cells can fight aggressive breast cancer

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A new study shows Gamma delta T cells can fight aggressive breast cancer

A new study shows Gamma delta T cells can fight aggressive breast cancer. TNBC, an aggressive and challenging type of breast cancer, poses a significant threat due to its high likelihood of recurrence and limited treatment options. This is primarily attributed to the presence of breast cancer stem cells, which drive tumor growth and relapse. Addressing these resilient cells is crucial for improving therapy outcomes in TNBC. Researchers from the University of Freiburg have made a notable discovery in this regard. They found that breast cancer stem cells can evade detection by the immune system through coordinated differentiation and metabolic changes.

However, the drug zolendronate has shown promise in counteracting these metabolic alterations, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy using gamma delta T cells against TNBC. The study, led by Prof. Dr. Susana Minguet from the Cluster of Excellence CIBSS at the University of Freiburg, involved collaboration with Dr. Jochen Maurer, Dr. Mahima Swamy, and researchers from the University Hospital Freiburg. The findings were published in Cancer Immunology Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Gamma delta T cells possess a remarkable capability to recognize and eliminate cells

Gamma delta T cells possess a remarkable capability to recognize and eliminate cells that express stress-induced molecules and phosphoantigens, which are commonly found in cancer cells. This unique mode of action has sparked interest in exploring gamma delta T cells as a potential alternative to existing immunotherapies. In the context of this study, the researchers aimed to assess the effects of gamma delta T cells on TNBC. They conducted experiments using isolated cancer cells and also developed a mouse model specifically designed to replicate the tumor characteristics observed in human TNBC patients. By employing both in vitro and in vivo approaches, the researchers sought to gain valuable insights into the potential therapeutic impact of gamma delta T cells on TNBC.

Gamma delta T cells demonstrated effectiveness against isolated breast cancer stem cells derived from patients

While gamma delta T cells demonstrated effectiveness against isolated breast cancer stem cells derived from patients, their efficacy was noticeably diminished when tested in the mouse model. The cancer cells in the mouse model had adapted mechanisms to evade detection by the immune system. The researchers identified one such evasion mechanism: the downregulation of the mevalonate pathway, which is responsible for producing phosphoantigens—a key molecule recognized by gamma delta T cells. This finding suggests that a similar evasion mechanism may be present in TNBC patients.

Supporting this notion, analysis of public patient databases indicated that reduced expression of crucial molecules in the mevalonate pathway is associated with a poorer prognosis. These findings shed light on the challenges faced in harnessing the full potential of gamma delta T cells as a therapeutic strategy for TNBC and highlight the need for further investigation and innovative approaches to overcome tumor adaptations.