Revolutionary breakthrough in Israel in the fight against cancer

A revolutionary breakthrough led by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem could transform cancer immunotherapy.

The team, in collaboration with scientists from Germany and the US, discovered how to enhance the effectiveness of T lymphocytes —the "elite troops" of the immune system— by reprogramming the way they generate energy.

The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals that by deactivating a protein called Ant2, T lymphocytes become significantly more powerful in identifying and eliminating cancer cells.

"We triggered a complete shift in their metabolism," explained Professor Michael Berger, who led the research together with doctoral student Omri Yosef. "The cells were not only more effective but also more resilient."

The finding centers on mitochondria, which are responsible for supplying energy to cells. By disrupting a specific metabolic pathway through the inhibition of Ant2, T lymphocytes adapt and strengthen from within.

The most promising aspect is that this change can be induced with drugs. "That opens the door to more accessible clinical treatments," Yosef noted.

This strategy aligns with a new generation of immunotherapies that not only guide the immune response but also improve the quality of the defender cells themselves.

The implications are enormous. Current CAR-T therapies, which genetically modify T lymphocytes to attack tumors, face challenges such as cellular fatigue. Reprogramming their metabolism could make them more durable and aggressive against tumors.

Unlike chemotherapy, this approach acts more precisely, with fewer side effects. Although the research focused on animal models, scientists believe it could be applied to many types of cancer, even those resistant to current treatments.

"It's no longer just about aiming better," Berger concluded. "We're giving the immune system better weapons to win the battle."