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Researchers have created a particle it needs to help microfagos (immune cells that protect the body by looking for potential threats, such as viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells, and ingesting and destroying them).
These cells kill infected ones, but tumor cells can alter their phenotype.
They secrete substances that “change” the properties of macrophages and, instead of killing tumor cells, begin to stimulate their growth while suppressing the body’s immune system and ultimately promoting metastasis.
To redirect the microfagos to the correct cells, the scientists created a “backpack” of microparticles, securing them with polymers on the outer surface of the cell.
Experiments carried out so far have found that microphages treated in this way slow tumor growth and reduce metastasis in mice with aggressive breast cancer.
The results of the study are published in Science Advances.
Scientists hope that the technique will one day be used to treat various conditions associated with immune dysfunction.
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