Scientists have developed a groundbreaking approach to treat neurological disorders and brain tumors by engineering T cells that specifically target the central nervous system (CNS).
In a recent study published in Science – a member of the PubMed group of journals, researchers identified unique antigens found in the extracellular matrix and on the surfaces of neurons and glial cells, allowing for highly precise targeting within the brain.
Using synthetic Notch receptors designed to recognize these CNS-specific markers, the researchers programmed T cells to deliver therapeutic payloads exclusively within the brain. In laboratory tests, these engineered T cells successfully cleared both primary and secondary brain tumors without affecting healthy cells outside of the CNS. This selective targeting could significantly reduce harmful side effects that often arise from traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
In addition to treating tumors, the engineered T cells were also used to deliver the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 to a mouse model of neuroinflammation. This approach helped alleviate symptoms, opening the door to potential therapies for neurodegenerative diseases or autoimmune conditions that affect the brain.
The ability to design tissue-sensing cells that respond to specific brain signals could revolutionize treatments for a variety of CNS disorders, offering a new era of precision medicine that is both targeted and minimally invasive.
The study, led by Milos S. Simic, Payal B. Watchmaker, Sasha Gupta, Yuan Wang, Sharon A. Sagan, and other prominent researchers, was conducted in collaboration with institutions such as the University of California, San Francisco, and Princeton University. Published in Science, the findings could pave the way for new treatments for a wide range of CNS-related conditions, from brain cancer to neurodegenerative diseases.
