The team loaded mast cells – which cause allergic symptoms when they encounter antigens such as seafood and pollen – with anticancer drugs to deliver them into tumours.
The researchers said they were working on clinical applications, including exploring its potential combination with existing cancer immunotherapies.
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China-Singapore team’s nanovaccine suppresses cancer recurrence and spread in animal tests
The scientists from Zhejiang University and the First Hospital of China Medical University published their findings in the peer-reviewed journal Cell last week.
“Our study highlights the translational promise of [immunoglobulin E (IgE)-sensitised mast cells] as an antigen-specific delivery platform for cancer immunotherapy,” they wrote, adding that the new method showed “potential for personalised cancer therapy”.
Mast cells are immune cells that protect the body from pathogens like viruses, bacteria and parasites, as well as toxins such as venom. When they encounter potential dangers, the cells release their stored pro-inflammatory substances to initiate inflammation.
They could also mistake seemingly harmless substances, including peanuts or dust mites, as a threat and cause allergic reactions.
In the study, the Chinese team took advantage of the “over-defence” mechanism to fight cancer.