Cell Guidance Systems Blog

Immune cell reprogramming is widely used to enhance immune cell function for disease treatment. This approach is successful for some types of immune cell, such as T-cells, but reprogramming of monocytes, macrophages and other phagocytic cells has historically been difficult. At Cell Guidance Systems, we have simplified the engineering of monocytes and other mononuclear phagocytes by using PODS, sub-micron scale sustained-release protein crystals that durably alter the cell's proteome. This simple technique is opening new research avenues and has the potential to enable cost-effective autologous immune cell therapies to treat a range of diseases.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating illness that 5-17% of us will experience during our lifetime. Identifying underlying biological mechanisms in MDD could increase our understanding of this disorder; allowing early-stage diagnosis and the development of new treatments. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nano-sized, lipid-bound derivatives of cells that contain a plethora of cargo, such as miRNAs, lipids, and other proteins, offer a new avenue in this research.

In our immune system's fight against cancer, autologous immune cell therapy using CAR-T cells has transformed treatment options for patients with leukaemia and lymphoma but is not effective against solid tumors. Could monocytes and their derivatives, notably macrophages, succeed where CAR-T cells have failed? Here we look at the way cancers try to exert dominance over macrophages and the companies rising to the challenge of autologous macrophage therapy.

When we think about the building blocks of life, our minds often jump to cells, DNA, and proteins. However, lurking in the spaces between cells is an equally crucial component that often goes unnoticed: the extracellular matrix (ECM). This unsung hero plays a pivotal role in maintaining the structure and function of tissues, influencing everything from wound healing to cancer progression.

Calorie restriction (CR) has long been recognized to increase both health span (the duration of a healthy life) and lifespan, but is difficult to adhere to. Recently published papers indicate that a dietary supplement (also produced by some gut microbes) can achieve the same effect.

Viral vectors, such as AAV, are used for the delivery of RNA and DNA therapeutics. Machine learning, a type of AI, is enabling the rapid iterative development and improvement of these therapeutic vectors.

Pressure regulation, valves, and balanced distribution: A domestic heating system and the human circulatory system share a remarkably wide range of similarities.

The activity of a cell is organised by a range of structures, from large organelles to small protein complexes. Amongst these, each cell contains around 100,000 ellular vaults, or simply vaults. These are enigmatic mid-size symmetrical cellular ribonucleoprotein structures that play a role in the storage and transport of molecules within cells.

In biomanufacturing, growth factors and cytokines are crucial for the cultivation and maintenance of cell cultures, particularly in the production of therapeutic proteins, vaccines, and other biologics. Just a few growth factors are widely used.

Animal cells grown in a cell culture conditions play a pivotal role in both research and biomanufacturing, serving as essential tools for scientific discovery and the production of complex biological products. Their use spans a wide range of applications, from basic biological research to the production of vaccines, therapeutic proteins and food.