Researchers have uncovered a fascinating link between diet and the effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapy, a revolutionary cancer treatment. A recent study presented at the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting suggests that a ketogenic diet might significantly boost the power of CAR T cells to fight cancer. This exciting development opens up new possibilities for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Understanding CAR T-Cell Therapy
CAR T-cell therapy involves modifying a patient’s own immune cells (T cells) to target and destroy cancer cells. These modified cells, called CAR T cells, are infused back into the patient to fight the cancer. However, some patients don’t respond well, highlighting the need for improvements in this therapy. For more information on CAR T-cell therapy, visit this helpful resource: National Cancer Institute.
The Role of the Ketogenic Diet
The study found that mice fed a ketogenic diet, which is very low in carbohydrates and high in fats, showed better tumor control and survival rates when treated with CAR T cells. This is because the ketogenic diet increases the levels of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in the body. BHB is a ketone body that acts as an alternative fuel source for cells, including CAR T cells. This appears to significantly improve their efficacy.
BHB: Fueling CAR T Cell Efficacy
Furthermore, researchers discovered that BHB, a key metabolite produced during ketosis, acts as a superior energy source for active CAR T cells, compared to glucose. This leads to enhanced CAR T cell activity and better cancer control. The study used various xenograft cancer models to confirm these findings, showcasing the potential for BHB supplementation to optimize CAR T-cell therapy.
Metabolic Modulation and Epigenetic Changes
Interestingly, the researchers also found that BHB affects the epigenetics of CAR T cells. BHB promotes the expression of genes vital for their function, ultimately enhancing their ability to fight cancer. This suggests a multifaceted mechanism through which BHB boosts CAR T cell effectiveness.
Translational Relevance and Clinical Trials
To further validate their preclinical findings, researchers retrospectively analyzed patient data and found a correlation between higher BHB serum levels and greater CAR T cell expansion. Moreover, they successfully boosted the ex vivo production of CAR T cells by adding BHB to the cell culture media. These findings are paving the way for a first-in-human clinical trial to evaluate BHB supplementation during CAR T-cell therapy.
The Future of CAR T-Cell Therapy
This research represents a significant leap forward in CAR T-cell therapy. Ketogenic diet can enhance the effectiveness of this powerful treatment, scientists are opening up exciting new avenues to improve cancer treatment. This breakthrough underscores the intricate interplay between nutrition and immunotherapy. Learn more about the latest advancements in cancer research by exploring our blog on STEM at entechonline.com. You’ll find insightful articles on related topics such as nutrition and health. Discover your passion for STEM and explore potential careers by visiting entechonline.com today!
References
Liu, S., Guruprasad, P., Han, K., Paruzzo, L., Shestov, A., Kelly, A., … & Ruella, M. (2024). Diet-derived β-hydroxybutyrate enhances CAR T-cell function and efficacy in preclinical models. Poster presented at the 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition, San Francisco, CA. https://ash.confex.com/ash/2024/webprogram/Paper208913.html
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