USC researchers develop renewable supply of cancer‑fighting immune cells

USC scientists found a way to produce a renewable supply of cancer‑fighting immune cells, according to ScienceDaily. The method uses immature cells called granulocyte‑monocyte progenitors, or GMPs. GMPs normally become macrophages and other immune cells. The researchers grew GMPs in the laboratory while keeping their ability to develop into functional immune cells.

The team genetically engineered GMPs so that they recognize specific cancer markers. The engineered cells can also strengthen broader immune responses. In experiments with mice, the cells settled in bone marrow. They produced new immune cells and slowed the progression of blood cancers and solid tumors.

The study was published in the journal Cell, according to ScienceDaily. Corresponding author Qi‑Long Ying said the work establishes a scalable and engineerable GMP platform for cellular immunotherapy. He added that the platform could have broad implications for cancer treatment and stem cell biology.

The discovery challenges the long‑standing view that only hematopoietic stem cells can self‑renew for long periods. Ying said that under the right conditions, GMPs can also self‑renew while keeping their identity. This finding could help create large, reliable supplies of engineered immune cells for therapy.