Revolutionizing Medicine: USC Scientists Turn B Cells Into Cancer-Fighting Machines
B cells are a crucial part of the body’s immune system, responsible for producing antibodies that help fight off infections and diseases. But what if we could harness the power of B cells to specifically target and destroy cancer cells or viruses like HIV? Well, that’s exactly what scientists at the University of Southern California (USC) have done.
In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, USC researchers have discovered a way to genetically modify B cells to create custom antibodies that can effectively combat some of the most challenging medical conditions, including cancer and HIV. This technique could revolutionize the way we treat a wide range of diseases, from Alzheimer’s to arthritis.
The senior author of the study, Paula Cannon, a Distinguished Professor of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, explains, “In some diseases, the natural antibodies produced by B cells are not effective enough. HIV, for example, constantly mutates to evade antibodies. By engineering B cells to produce a broad-spectrum antibody, we can outsmart the virus.”
This innovative approach allows researchers to customize antibodies to target specific disease-causing agents. Lead author Geoffrey Rogers, a research associate in Cannon’s lab, says, “We have developed a technology to reprogram B cells that can be tailored to address different diseases. The possibilities are endless.”
Building on the success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells used in cancer treatment, the USC team applied similar genetic modification techniques to B cells. Unlike T cells, B cells are better suited for long-term surveillance and antibody production, making them ideal for treating chronic conditions.
Using CRISPR gene editing, the researchers inserted genetic instructions for custom antibodies into the B cells’ DNA, turning them into antibody-producing biofactories. These modified B cells can be stimulated to increase antibody production, similar to a vaccination response.
Testing the effectiveness of these engineered antibodies, the researchers replicated an immune system environment using tonsil tissue in a lab setting. The results were promising, demonstrating the potential of this approach in fighting disease.
The USC team is collaborating with the USC Stevens Center for Innovation to patent and license this technology for commercial use. Erin Overstreet, the executive director of the center, believes this innovation could transform disease treatment. “This could fundamentally change our approach to certain diseases,” she says.
Alongside Cannon and Rogers, the research team includes Chun Huang, Atishay Mathur, Xiaoli Huang, Hsu-Yu Chen, Kalya Stanten, Heidy Morales, Chan-Hua Chang, and Eric Kezirian, all from USC. The project was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health.
