0
0This research describes a novel immunotherapy strategy that uses liposomal nanomedicine to genetically reprogram alveolar macrophages directly inside the lungs to fight cancer. By administering a specialized nanoparticle via intrapulmonary nebulization, the scientists converted these local immune cells into chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) effectors without the need for complex external laboratory manipulation. These engineered CAR-AMs effectively target and destroy lung cancer cells while simultaneously shifting the tumor environment from an immunosuppressive state to a pro-inflammatory one. In mouse models, this precision approach stimulated T cell activation and created immune memory, which significantly hindered tumor progression and prevented metastatic recurrence. The study demonstrates how merging nanotechnology with gene editing can overcome existing barriers in treating aggressive solid tumors. This innovative method also showed strong synergy with existing immune checkpoint inhibitors, offering a potential path to improve survival rates for patients with treatment-resistant lung cancer.
References:
Li H, Lyu C, Cai X, et al. In situ reprogramming of CAR-alveolar macrophages via liposomal nanomedicine for lung cancer immunotherapy[J]. Nature Communications, 2026, 17(1): 7495.
