Researchers in Minnesota explore nicotinamide-enhanced T cells to fight blood cancers
Researchers at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis explored a bold approach: preparing immune cells in the lab with vitamin B3, known as nicotinamide, before placing them back into the body. This preconditioning aims to boost the cancer-fighting power of T cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in identifying and destroying cancerous cells. The work represents a notable step in immunotherapy, an area that seeks to empower the body’s own defenses to target malignant cells with greater precision. The study was documented in Science Translational Medicine, underscoring its potential to influence future cancer therapies.
Immunotherapy using patient-derived T cells has shown promise for several blood cancers, yet it does not work for every patient. In this study, researchers pursued a method to make these immune cells more effective. By enhancing T cells in the lab before infusion, the team aimed to improve their performance against cancer cells once inside the body.
In the experimental process, natural T cells were exposed to nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, during laboratory preparation and then reintroduced into the patients. T cells, a type of lymphocyte, are part of the immune system’s frontline. They recognize and kill abnormal cells, including those that evolve into cancer, helping to shape targeted immune responses.
A clinical trial enrolled 30 patients with recurrent or treatment-resistant forms of blood cancer. Among the 19 patients diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, 11 achieved a complete response to the treatment and three reached a partial response. Researchers reported that nicotinamide helped shield T cells from oxidative stress, supporting their longevity, tissue infiltration, and ability to identify and eliminate cancer cells in lymphatic tissues.
The findings point to a potential new approach for tackling cancers that resist standard therapies. By boosting the resilience and effectiveness of immune cells, this strategy could broaden the reach of immunotherapy for blood cancers that have proven difficult to treat.
In an additional note, a separate line of investigation mentioned that a medication previously given through the nose showed signs of benefiting animal models related to dementia, suggesting broader avenues for research into brain health and aging. The overall work emphasizes the ongoing effort to refine cell-based treatments and expand their applicability across diverse cancer types.