Daijiworld Media Network- Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Apr 11: In a remarkable medical breakthrough, researchers from Israel, the United States, and China—led by the Weizmann Institute of Science—have developed an innovative genetic method that transforms tumour-supporting immune cells into potent cancer-fighting agents.
The study, reported by Xinhua, zeroes in on macrophages, a type of immune cell known for its dynamic role in the body’s defense system. In many cancers, however, these cells are manipulated by tumours to act as protectors—helping them grow, evade the immune system, and even spread.
“Macrophages are like the Swiss knife of the immune system,” said Prof. Ido Amit of the Weizmann Institute’s Systems Immunology Department. “They’re extremely adaptable and can either support the immune system or, if hijacked, aid tumour development.”
By employing CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and advanced single-cell analysis powered by artificial intelligence, the research team analyzed tumour tissues and identified 120 critical genes. The spotlight fell on a gene named Zeb2, described as a “master switch.” When Zeb2 is active, macrophages support cancer. When silenced, they return to their natural tumour-fighting role.
“Tumours manipulate macrophages to suppress the body’s immune response and even promote blood vessel growth to sustain themselves,” added Prof. Amit. “By targeting Zeb2, we can reprogram these cells to fight back.”
To bring this concept into action, the team developed a specialised DNA molecule designed to silence Zeb2 specifically within macrophages. Tests in mice suffering from bladder cancer showed promising results: tumours shrank significantly after the treatment.
This discovery opens new doors for targeted cancer therapy, offering hope that future treatments may not only halt tumour growth but also harness the body's own immune machinery to eliminate it.
The findings have stirred excitement across the global medical community, positioning the Weizmann Institute at the forefront of cancer immunotherapy innovation.