The restoration of mitochondria improves the immune response against lung cancer

Although chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of lung cancer treatment. Therefore, it often weakens the immune system on which it is based for long -term control. However, Now. Consequently. Meanwhile, the researchers have found a way to transform this weakness into strength – by transplanting healthy mitochondria into a tumor environment. Furthermore, In non -small. Meanwhile. advanced lung cancer (CBNPC), the combination of mitochondrial transplantation with cisplatin has not only improved the infiltration of immune cells, but also reversed tumor metabolism and improved the effectiveness of the drug. Nevertheless, This innovative approach transforms the mitochondria of simple energy suppliers into active allies in cancer therapy. However, showing the potential to reshape the way we treat aggressive pulmonary tumors.

Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer in the world. Consequently, with lung cancer restoration mitochondria improves immune response new restoration mitochondria improves immune response non -small cells (CNPNC) representing 85% of cases. Meanwhile, Chemotherapy is the first -line treatment of advanced CBNPC. Nevertheless, but its effectiveness is hampered by toxic side effects and emerging resistance. In addition, chemotherapy damages immune cells and reduces their presence in tumor microenvironment, limiting long -term control. In addition, Adding to this challenge, tumors can divert mitochondria from immune cells through nanotube -type structures, further attenuate immunity. Immunotherapy has improved the results for some, but many patients still do not react. Due to these limits, there is an urgent need for strategies that restore immune power and metabolic balance during chemotherapy.

Researchers from the Tongji University School of Medicine and the University of Nantong published a study (DOI: 10.20892 / J.issn.2095-3941.2024.0596) Biology and cancer medicine This introduces a new approach to lung cancer therapy. They studied if direct mitochondrial transplantation could improve the effects restoration mitochondria improves immune response new of chemotherapy in advanced CBNPCs. restoration mitochondria improves immune response By combining functional mitochondria with cisplatin. the team not only aimed to improve the tumor response but also to restore immune vigor inside the tumor microenvironment. Their results mark a significant step towards integrative treatments which energize both cells and immunity.

Researchers have isolated the functional mitochondria of human cardiomyocytes – cells known for their high energy production -. transplanted them into NSCLC tumor models, both in vitro and in vivo. Only mitochondrial transplantation has not harmed cancer cells. but when combined with cisplatin, it has significantly amplified the suppression of tumors. This synergy has reduced the CI₅₀ cisplatin from 12.93 μm to 6.7 μm, indicating greater sensitivity of the drug. Tumors in mice have decreased more considerably with combined therapy than with chemotherapy alone, and immune infiltration has increased considerably. Transcriptomic analysis has revealed a striking shift in tumor restoration mitochondria improves immune response new metabolism: negative regulation of glycolysis. hypoxia genes, and positive regulation restoration mitochondria improves immune response of oxidative phosphorylation routes – reversing the Warburg effect. The markers of cell proliferation (Ki67, P53) and the rod (HIF-1α, CD44, CD133) have been deleted. Above all. mitochondrial transplantation has also restored mitochondrial activity in immune cells. improving the function of T cells and natural killer cells (NK). The treatment has not caused any additional toxicity and preserved body weight and the integrity of the organs. This work shows that mitochondria can serve as metabolic. immunological reinforcements, transforming the tumor landscape in addition to immune attack and chemotherapy.

This research introduces a powerful double action strategy. By reconstructing immune cells with functional mitochondria, we are not only improving their energy, but restoring their ability to fight. At the same time, tumor cells become more vulnerable to chemotherapy. It is like rearming the immune system restoration mitochondria improves immune response new while disarming the tumor. This could be a promising path for patients who do not restoration mitochondria improves immune response react well to. conventional treatment. “”

Dr Liuliu Yuan. principal researcher of the study

This discovery lays the foundations for a new therapeutic paradigm – the one that takes advantage of the single biology of mitochondria to increase the treatment of cancer. In advanced RSCLC patients, mitochondrial transplanting could improve the effects of existing chemotherapy drugs while minimizing immune suppression. Beyond lung cancer. this approach can extend to other tumors where immune dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming are obstacles to the success of treatment. With other refinement. clinical trials. the mitochondrial transfer could evolve towards a versatile platform for combined therapies, helping clinicians to exceed the current limits of cancer care and in a new era of bioenergetic and immune restoration.