Chinese scientists develop allergy-based approach to cancer therapy
Chinese researchers have developed an experimental cancer therapy that deliberately triggers an allergy-like immune reaction inside tumours, according to a study published in the journal Cell.
The work, carried out by scientists from Zhejiang University and the First Hospital of China Medical University, centres on mast cells — immune cells best known for their role in allergic reactions such as rashes and sneezing.
Mast cells are packed with inflammatory compounds and respond within seconds when activated. The research team investigated whether this rapid, powerful response could be redirected to break through the immune suppression commonly found in tumours.
Gu Zhen, a professor at Zhejiang University’s School of Pharmacy and a lead author of the study, said the idea emerged from observing how excessive immune reactions operate in allergies and asking whether a similar mechanism could be used against cancer.
Instead of reacting to allergens, the scientists reprogrammed mast cells using IgE antibodies designed to recognise proteins expressed on tumour cells.
Once injected into the bloodstream, these engineered mast cells homed in on tumours and released intense bursts of inflammation when they encountered their specific cancer targets.
The induced reaction helped alert the immune system, converting so-called “cold” tumours — which normally evade immune detection — into “hot” tumours that immune cells are able to recognise and attack.
The researchers also demonstrated that mast cells can act as transport vehicles for oncolytic viruses, which selectively infect and destroy cancer cells.
Encased within mast cell vesicles, the viruses were shielded from destruction in the bloodstream and released only after the mast cells reached and were activated inside tumours.
Tests in mouse models of melanoma, breast cancer and lung metastases showed increased infiltration of cancer-killing T cells and slowed tumour growth, the study reported.
The approach was also effective in patient-derived tumour models, where human mast cells equipped with IgE antibodies targeting the HER2 tumour marker and carrying oncolytic viruses produced strong T-cell responses and significant tumour suppression.
Gu said the findings point towards future personalised therapies, in which IgE antibodies could be matched to individual tumour markers, while mast cells could also be used to deliver drugs, proteins or nanomedicines, with further work planned to move the strategy towards clinical use.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
