The growth of epithelial ovarian cancer, one of the most lethal malignancies, is associated with the presence of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), white blood cells that can block the anti-cancer activity of the immune system and immunotherapy.
Fortunately, TAMs can be “repolarized,” converted from immunosuppressive tumor-promoters to inflammatory tumor-fighters. Now, Fiona Yull, DPhil, Todd Giorgio, PhD, and colleagues have demonstrated an ingenious targeted approach to TAM repolarization using nanoparticles in a mouse model of ovarian cancer.
Given that TAMs overexpress a receptor for the sugar mannose, the researchers developed a “mannose-decorated” nanoparticle bearing a cargo of small, interfering RNA.
Nanosynth Group plc (LON:NNN) nano-technology business that originated in Nottingham from a partnership with Nottingham Trent University. Their core mission is to develop unique ways to produce and apply nanoparticles.