CAR-T has been revolutionary, but as an autologous therapy, it is slow and costly. Allogeneic CAR-T cells, known as iNKTS, are now in development and may offer a rapid, cheaper (and perhaps more effective) off-the-shelf solution.
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is an emerging technique used to study cellular processes and develop new therapies. Introduced in 1999, TPD works by breaking down specific proteins using either the proteasomal or lysosomal pathways. Most current TPD methods, such as PROTACs, molecular glues, Trim-Away, and SNIPERs, depend on the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and are primarily designed to target proteins inside cells.
When presented with cancer cells, our cytogeneticists often see tiny chromosomal structures known as double minutes. What are these, how are they formed, and what is their importance?
Cancer of the prostate, a small gland that produces seminal fluid in men, is one of the most common cancers and the 5th leading cause of male death worldwide. Men over the age of 50, those of African descent, or those with a family history of prostate cancer are at a higher risk. Additionally, diet, particularly diets high in fat and sugar, can increase the likelihood of prostate cancer by negatively affecting the gut microbiome.
A deadly arms race takes place between cancer cells and our immune system. A recent study published in Nature shows the importance of monocytes in the development of a healthy anti-cancer immune response, how cancer blocks monocyte activity and how this can be restored.
Tumours evade immune surveillance through mechanisms that impair immune responses, allowing the tumour to grow and spread without being eliminated by the immune system. Understanding the interplay between cancer and immune cells is allowing the development of new therapies.
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.
Karyotyping remains an important assay when working with any animal cell. Here we discuss the benefits and limitations.
