New research, supported by the NIH and led by the Keck School of Medicine of USC, has used AI to identify genes that control a cell’s fate and reprogram glioblastoma cells into immune cells within the tumor to target and destroy cancerous cells. (Source: Image by RR)

Scientists Use AI to Convert Glioblastoma Cells into Immune-Activating Dendritic Cells

In a pioneering study, scientists at the Keck School of Medicine of USC used AI to reprogram glioblastoma cells, converting them into dendritic cells (DCs) that can identify and target cancer cells for destruction. Glioblastoma, the deadliest brain cancer in adults, has been notoriously difficult to treat with immunotherapy due to its location behind the blood-brain barrier. However, by leveraging AI to explore gene control over cell fate, researchers identified genes that can reprogram glioblastoma cells into immune-activating cells within the tumor, significantly improving survival rates in mouse models by up to 75%.

The study, recently published in Cancer Immunology Research, highlights a major advancement in cancer immunotherapy by transforming cancer cells into cells that can activate an immune response. As noted in news-medical.net, this AI-driven approach bypasses the blood-brain barrier challenge, as it reprograms cells already within the tumor. Lead author David Tran, MD, PhD, emphasized the complexity of forcing a cell to change its fate, noting that AI’s computational power has enabled significant breakthroughs in understanding and manipulating cell behavior for therapeutic purposes.

In addition to their work with animal models, researchers used AI to identify human genes capable of converting glioblastoma cells into DC-like cells. They plan to embed these genetic instructions into a viral vector to deliver the treatment to patients. This AI-driven method contrasts with traditional empirical approaches, offering a more precise way to reprogram cells. Tran and his team aim to fine-tune the gene list and conduct safety and efficacy tests in animal models before moving toward clinical trials in humans.

The potential for this approach extends beyond glioblastoma. Researchers are optimistic that their AI model could be adapted to reprogram other cancer cells, offering a new frontier in cancer treatment. The study’s success in enhancing immune response and survival rates when combined with other immunotherapies underscores the transformative potential of AI in developing innovative cancer treatments.

read more at news-medical.net