UT Southwestern Scientists Develop Nanoparticle Therapy for Tumor Eradication via Immune Stimulation

Jinming Gao, PhD

UT Southwestern Medical Center scientists have developed a nanoparticle-based therapy that effectively eradicated tumors in mouse models of various cancer types by stimulating an immune pathway. Published in Science Immunology, their research introduces a promising approach to leveraging the body’s immune system against cancer.

Led by Professor Jinming Gao, Ph.D., the study team includes researchers from multiple disciplines, demonstrating the collaborative effort behind this breakthrough. Building on their previous work, which identified a polymer nanoparticle, PC7A, capable of activating the STING pathway without external stimulation, the team enhanced their strategy by embedding cGAMP within PC7A nanoparticles. This innovative therapy not only initiates STING activation but also sustains it for an extended period, showcasing its potential as a powerful cancer immunotherapy.