New Research Uncovers Proteins Key to Enhancing Blood Cancer Immunotherapy

A groundbreaking study by researchers at the Center for Cell-Based Therapy (CTC), part of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP) in Brazil, has identified critical proteins and signaling pathways that influence the success of CAR-T cell immunotherapy for blood cancers. Published in the Journal of Proteome Research, the research was led by doctoral student John Oluwafemi Teibo under Professor Vitor Faça's supervision.

CAR-T cell therapy, an innovative treatment where lymphocytes are genetically modified to attack cancer cells, has seen rapid advancements and approvals for various hematological conditions. However, the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that dictate its effectiveness remain poorly understood. This study aims to fill that gap by exploring the molecular effectors—primarily proteins—that respond to and influence therapeutic outcomes.

Using databases like PubMed and Scopus, the team investigated molecules involved in immune responses and signal transduction related to CAR-T therapy. They identified 14 proteins that fall into four categories: cytokines (such as interferon, CCL3, gamma interferon), kinases (including LCK, ITK, JAK2, B-Raf), receptors (like CD80 and CD20), and proteases or chemical messengers (such as Granzyme B and TNF-α). These molecules are crucial in activating and modulating the therapy.

The application of proteomics, which involves analyzing the entire set of proteins in a biological sample, opens new avenues for understanding how these molecules change during treatment. Such insights could lead to the development of biomarkers—like interferon gamma and IL2—that can predict or enhance therapy responses.

Recent technological advances in mass spectrometry allow scientists to analyze protein abundance, localization, synthesis, degradation, and post-translational modifications in great detail. This deep understanding of cellular processes is essential for refining treatment strategies and overcoming current challenges in CAR-T therapy.

"Our findings provide a detailed map of potential molecular targets to improve the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapies, offering hope for better outcomes in blood cancer treatment," said Teibo. The research underscores the importance of proteomics in personalized medicine, potentially leading to more precise and effective immunotherapy options.

For further details, see the full article: Journal of Proteome Research - DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00930

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-proteins-involved-effectiveness-immunotherapy-blood.html