A gene-cell preparation by Kazan Federal University comprises a patient’s stem cells specifically modified to synthesize several therapeutic proteins. One protein stimulates the patient’s immune system against their tumor, and other proteins launch the cell death process. The technology is based on viral peptides and includes simultaneous synthesis of proteins which are then broken down in cells.
“The comprehensive approach helps widen the spectrum of applications of such medications and increase the efficacy of the therapy due to stem cells’ capacity to selectively transport proteins to the tumor,” comments co-author Valeriya Solovyeva , Lead Research Associate of KFU’s Gene and Cell Technology Lab. “The method has been patented in Russian under N 2757502 - Genetic cassette containing codon-optimized nucleotide sequences of genes TRAIL, PTEN and IFNβ-1, and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of cancer.”
However, the scientists since then went even further and made the method safer thanks to vesicles obtained from genetically modified cells. Vesicles are produced in the body by all the cells and can transport the proteins of their parent cells.
“The use of vesicles is promising because they are not altered by a tumor. The obtained vesicles are able to transport therapeutic proteins without any risk for the patient and have already proven effective in cases of breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer,” says Albert Rizvanov , Head of Gene and Cell Technology Lab, Director of the Center for Precision and Regenerative Medicine. “As it appears, vesicles can also activate immune cells.”
Tissue and Cell
Experimental study
Cells
Cytochalasin B-induced membrane vesicles from human mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing TRAIL, PTEN and IFN-β1 can kill carcinoma cancer cells
8-Oct-2021
The authors report no declarations of interest.