Glut3 overexpression improves environmental glucose uptake and antitumor efficacy of CAR-T cells in solid tumors

Background Glucose deprivation inhibits T-cell metabolism and function. Glucose levels are low in the tumor microenvironment of solid tumors and insufficient glucose uptake limits the antitumor response of T cells. Furthermore, glucose restriction can contribute to the failure of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy for solid tumors. However, the impact of glucose restriction… Continue reading Glut3 overexpression improves environmental glucose uptake and antitumor efficacy of CAR-T cells in solid tumors

Differential roles of human CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cells in controlling self-reactive immune responses

Abstract Here we analyzed the relative contributions of CD4+ regulatory T cells expressing Forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3) and CD8+ regulatory T cells expressing killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors to the control of autoreactive T and B lymphocytes in human tonsil-derived immune organoids. FOXP3 and GZMB respectively encode proteins FOXP3 and granzyme B, which are critical… Continue reading Differential roles of human CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cells in controlling self-reactive immune responses

Biophysical mapping of TREM2-ligand interactions reveals shared surfaces for engagement of multiple Alzheimer’s disease ligands

TREM2 is a signaling receptor expressed on microglia that has emerged as an important drug target for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. While a number of TREM2 ligands have been identif…

Breaking the energy chain: importance of ATP synthase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its potential as a drug target

Unveiling novel pathways for drug discovery forms the foundation of a new era in the combat against tuberculosis. The discovery of a novel drug, bedaquiline, targeting mycobacterial ATP synthase highlighted the targetability of the energy metabolism pathway. The significant potency of bedaquiline against heterogeneous population of Mycobacterium tuberculosis marks ATP synthase as an important complex… Continue reading Breaking the energy chain: importance of ATP synthase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its potential as a drug target

Novel and potent MICA/B antibody is therapeutically effective in KRAS LKB1 mutant lung cancer models

Background Concurrent KRAS LKB1 (STK11, KL) mutant non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) do not respond well to current immune checkpoint blockade therapies, however targeting major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A or B (MICA/B), could pose an alternative therapeutic strategy through activation of natural killer (NK) cells. Methods Expression of NK cell activating ligands in… Continue reading Novel and potent MICA/B antibody is therapeutically effective in KRAS LKB1 mutant lung cancer models

MIT affiliates awarded 2024 National Medals of Science, Technology

Four MIT faculty members are among 23 world-class researchers who have been awarded the nation’s highest honors for scientists and innovators, the White House announced today. Angela Belcher and Emery Brown were each presented with the National Medal of Science at a White House ceremony this afternoon, and Paula Hammond ’84, PhD ’93, and Feng… Continue reading MIT affiliates awarded 2024 National Medals of Science, Technology

Feng Zhang awarded 2024 National Medal of Technology

This post is adapted from an MIT News story. *** Four MIT faculty members are among 23 world-class researchers who have been awarded the nation’s highest honors for scientists and innovators, the White House announced today. Angela Belcher and Emery Brown were each presented with the National Medal of Science at a White House ceremony… Continue reading Feng Zhang awarded 2024 National Medal of Technology

FDA Approvals in Oncology: October-December 2024 

To help our readers keep track of the cancer therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), understand their impact for patients, and put them in context of the current therapeutic landscape, Cancer Research Catalyst provides a quarterly review of the latest approvals in oncology from the FDA.    The FDA had a busy 2024, issuing… Continue reading FDA Approvals in Oncology: October-December 2024 

Editors’ Picks, December 2024: Immunosuppression in the Lung, New Mathematical Models, and More

As we ring in 2025, Cancer Research Catalyst wishes you a very Happy New Year! May your 2025 be full of love, connection, and inspiration. As always, we love to keep you connected with inspiring cancer research by sharing this month’s editors’ picks from the 10 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) journals. December’s holiday… Continue reading Editors’ Picks, December 2024: Immunosuppression in the Lung, New Mathematical Models, and More